Infant Botulism: Understanding the Risks and Protecting the Youngest Patients

Infant Botulism: Understanding the Risks and Protecting the Youngest Patients

Infant botulism is a rare but serious disease that occurs when an infant ingests spores of Clostridium botulinum (or related species) that then germinate in the immature gut and produce botulinum neurotoxin in situ. The toxin blocks nerve signals that control muscles and breathing, leading to progressive floppiness, trouble feeding, and in severe cases respiratory failure requiring prolonged intensive care. Although uncommon, infant botulism demands rapid recognition and coordinated public health and clinical response because early treatment with botulinum immune globulin substantially reduces morbidity and length of hospitalization.

How Infant Botulism Happens

Unlike classic foodborne botulism in older childr