What is Infant botulism?
Infant botulism
is a disease which occurs when the Clostridium botulinum spores
(a bacterium
found in nature) are ingested
and then
colonize within the gut of the infant.
Scientists
do not yet understand what factors determine whether the infant's gut will allow
the spores
to colonize or if they will be passed leaving the child unaffected.
California, Utah & Pennsylvania have the highest instances of infant botulism though it is
very rare with an average of 80-110 cases occurring in the U.S each year.
Infant botulism occurs in babies 0-12 months.
Approximately 90% of infants who contract infant botulism are 6 months old or younger.
How does Infant botulism affect the baby?
Colonization
of the C. botulinum produces the botulinum toxin which effectively
blocks
communication between the nerve endings and their associated muscles.
Paralysis
often happens from the head, downwards though the toxin does not cross into the
brain
(the
baby's characteristics & personality are NOT affected by infant botulism).
Breathing
may be compromised as the baby loses the ability to properly protect his/her
airway.
Common
symptoms of infant botulism include: constipation, poor feeding, lethargy,
weak cry,
and floppiness.
How is Infant botulism treated?
An antitoxin called BabyBIG® is administered. The antitoxin is given as soon as botulism is suspected as it has been found to reduce costs associated with recovery from botulism as well as decrease the duration of time spent in the hospital. Laboratory testing for infant botulism can take several days and antitoxin is usually given prior to lab confirmation of infant botulism.
The
decision to treat with the antitoxin is usually made based on the babies
clinical symptoms.
Supportive care is maintained while the body recovers nerve ending to muscle communication.
Recovery
time varies from weeks to months.
How
do Infants get Infant Botulism?
The most
common way for infants to contract botulism is by swallowing
microscopic
dust particles which contain the C. botulinum spores.
Honey is
known to contain these spores thus the recommendation that
honey not
be given to children 12 months and younger.
Sources-
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