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Peanut butter confirmed as the source in a case of infant botulism, United Kingdom, 2024
Rosie J Crane1, Corinne Fl Amar2, Humphrey Omoruyi1
1St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
Insights
Infant botulism can occur from early peanut introduction. A 6-month-old developed botulism after consuming peanut butter, with the bacteria confirmed in the infant and the food source.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Food Safety
Background:
- Early introduction of allergenic foods, like peanut butter, is recommended to reduce allergy risk.
- Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of infant botulism linked to early peanut butter consumption.
- To highlight the potential risks associated with current infant feeding guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 6-month-old infant presenting with suspected botulism.
- Detection of Clostridium botulinum type A in infant feces and peanut butter via PCR and culture.
- Whole genome sequencing to confirm bacterial strain identity.
Main Results:
- Clostridium botulinum type A was identified in both the infant's stool and the suspect peanut butter.
- Whole genome sequencing confirmed the peanut butter as the source of the infant's infection.
- The infant successfully recovered after treatment with Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (BIG-IV).
Conclusions:
- Early introduction of peanut butter may pose a risk of infant botulism.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of this potential complication when advising on infant feeding.
- Further research may be needed to balance allergy prevention with infectious disease risks.
Abstract:
A 6-month-old infant was hospitalised with suspected infant botulism after being given peanut butter to reduce their risk of developing peanut allergy. Clostridium botulinum type A was detected in their faeces and the peanut butter by PCR and culture. Whole genome sequencing confirmed identical strains, identifying the peanut butter as the source of infection. The infant was treated with human-derived antitoxin Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (BIG-IV) and recovered well. This case highlights potential botulism risk with early peanut introduction.
