Botulism is a condition caused by a toxin made by bacteria calledThis toxin triggers sudden, progressive weakness and paralysis. Infant botulism is usually seen in babies younger than 6 months old.
In adults, botulism occurs only after eating foods that contain the full-blown toxin. In infants, tiny spores from the bacteria that would not be harmful to an adult can grow in the baby's gut. Once there, they mature and release toxins.
These toxins enter the bloodstream and are carried to the ends of the nerves that control muscles. They block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine that transmits signals from nerves to muscles. If this chemical is not released at the right time, the muscle cannot contract. This causes muscle weakness or paralysis.
The diaphragm is a strong layer of muscle below the lungs. If nerves in the diaphragm are blocked, the baby will not be able to breathe. If untreated, this can cause death.
Usually, symptoms start 12 to 36 hours after the bacteria spores enter the body. However, it can take as little as a few hours or as long as a week.
The signs and symptoms include: constipation as muscles in the gut stop working properlymuscle weaknessfewer movements of the arms and legsloss of head controlproblems feedinga weak cryloss of the gag reflex and other nervous system problemsworsening paralysis of the muscles of the bodyrespiratory failure, which is the inability to breathe
The Clostridium botulinum bacteria makes one of the most poisonous substances known to man. Just a small amount of the toxin it produces can be fatal.
Some sources of the bacteria that infants may encounter include: honey, which should never be fed to babies younger than age 12 monthsdust and dirt
It is important to remember that these bacteria are found in the environment constantly. In some cases of infant botulism, it is not known why the bacteria happened to grow in the intestines of that particular infant and not others.
To keep babies safe, follow these steps. Never give honey to an infant under age 1 (in a bottle, on a nipple, or in any other way).Do not allow soil or dirt to get into the belly button before the cord stub falls off at around 2 weeks of age.
Some cases of infant botulism cannot be prevented.
Diagnosis includes a thorough exam by a healthcare professional. The diagnosis can be made based on the infant's signs and symptoms. Parents need to tell the doctor about any possible exposures.
Tests to confirm the diagnosis include the following: a stool sample to check for the bacteriaan electromyogram (EMG), which may show signs of abnormal muscle function. An EMG is a study of how the muscles respond to electrical stimulation.
When botulism is not treated, the death rate is very high. If a baby survives the first few days after botulism has been diagnosed and treated, recovery is usually complete. If serious respiratory paralysis occurs, this condition may be fatal.
This illness does not spread from one person to another. Infants ingest bacteria from the environment.
Treatment of infant botulism includes: hospitalizationsupportive measures, such as bed rest, fluids given through a vein, comforting the infant and familyspecial enemas, which may be used to clear out the spores in the intestinal tractpenicillin to kill the bacteria in the guta ventilator, or artificial breathing machine
It is not clear whether antitoxin can help in infant botulism.
Side effects vary depending on the treatment used. Penicillin can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions. Before the botulism antitoxin is given, a doctor may order a skin test to make sure the baby does not have an allergy to the antitoxin.
Once a baby has been treated and symptoms have gone away, no further treatment is needed. If a baby survives the first few days of botulism, it may take months for symptoms to subside. Recovery is usually complete. If necessary, physical therapy or occupational therapy may help a baby recover muscle function.
A healthcare professional may monitor the baby closely over the first few months while symptoms of botulism disappear. The baby's ability to breathe properly and muscle control will be watched closely. Any new or worsening symptoms should always be reported to the healthcare professional.
CURRENT Pediatric Diagnosis&Treatment, APPLETON and LANGE, 1993
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, David Larson, 1996
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Nelson's Essentials of Pediatrics, Berhman and Kliegman, 2nd edition, 1994
