Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Botulinum Neurotoxin From Complex Matrices Using the BoTest Matrix Assays
12:25

Isolation and Quantification of Botulinum Neurotoxin From Complex Matrices Using the BoTest Matrix Assays

Published on: March 3, 2014

16.6K

Molecular and Epidemiological Characterization of Infant Botulism in Beijing, China

Yin Ping Dong1, Wei Wang1, Tao Jiang1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA), Beijing 100021, China.

Biomedical and Environmental Sciences : BES
|July 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study confirmed infant botulism caused by type B Clostridium botulinum spores in powdered infant formula (PIF). The pathogen was isolated from both the infant and the PIF, demonstrating a clear link.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Infant botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by Clostridium botulinum spores.
  • Powdered infant formula (PIF) has been implicated as a potential source of contamination.

Observation:

  • A suspected case of infant botulism was investigated through laboratory analysis of clinical and formula samples.
  • Animal models (mice) were used to assess the pathogenicity of isolated microorganisms.
  • Treatment with specific botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) antitoxins demonstrated efficacy.

Findings:

  • Clostridium botulinum type B was isolated from both an infant's enema sample and residual PIF.
  • Injected mice developed characteristic botulism symptoms, confirming the isolates' toxicity.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) confirmed the isolates from the infant and PIF were indistinguishable strains.
  • The findings confirmed type B infant botulism linked to contaminated PIF.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the critical need for stringent quality control in PIF production to prevent infant botulism.
  • Identifies contaminated PIF as a direct source of Clostridium botulinum spores leading to infant illness.
  • Reinforces the importance of microbiological testing and traceback investigations in foodborne illness outbreaks.
Keywords:
ChinaClostridium botulinumInfant botulismPowdered infant formula

More Related Videos

A High Content Imaging Assay for Identification of Botulinum Neurotoxin Inhibitors14:10

A High Content Imaging Assay for Identification of Botulinum Neurotoxin Inhibitors

Published on: November 14, 2014

9.0K
A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis05:39

A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Published on: November 30, 2021

4.2K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
Botulism01:22

Botulism

Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...