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[Botulism in infancy. A rare cause of floppy infant syndrome]
M Greve1, T Beushausen, S Ziesing
1Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Bult, Hannover.
Insights
Infantile botulism is rare in Europe. A two-month-old infant presented with feeding difficulties and weakness, confirmed by isolating Clostridium botulinum and its toxin from stool.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Infantile botulism is a rare neuroparalytic illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores.
- Few cases have been reported in Europe, making each identification significant.
Abstract:
In Europe only a few cases of infantile botulism have been identified. A two month old infant fell ill with feeding difficulties and profound general weakness. Clostridium botulinum and botulinal toxin, the causative agents, were isolated from the patients stool. We describe the typical clinical symptoms and the investigations confirming the diagnosis.