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Infant Botulism in Costa Rica: A Case Report Featuring Electrodiagnostic Studies
Anthony Hong1, Ana B Santos1, Daniela Poveda1
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, CRI.
Insights
Infant botulism (IB) is a severe condition caused by Clostridium botulinum. Electrodiagnostic studies aided in the early diagnosis of this rare case in Costa Rica, enabling prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infant botulism (IB) is a critical neuroparalytic illness.
- It stems from the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum.
- Early diagnosis is crucial but often delayed by lengthy confirmatory tests.
Abstract:
Infant botulism (IB) is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum). We present the case of a four-month-old Costa Rican female who was hospitalized with poor sucking, feeding difficulties, constipation, hypotonia, and respiratory failure. Clinical history, physical examination findings, and electrodiagnostic studies strongly suggested IB. Although clinical suspicion primarily depends on a thorough history and physical examination, confirmatory tests can take considerable time to yield results. Electrodiagnostic studies may facilitate an earlier diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment. Additionally, although this is only the second reported case in Costa Rica, it is the first in which electrodiagnostic studies were performed locally to support the diagnosis.
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