[Botulism in an infant]

Author(s): Nielsen AB, Nordly SB, Clausen ME

Affiliation(s): Hvidovre Hospital, Infektionsmedicinsk Afdeling og Borneafdelingen, og Statens Serum Institut, Denmark. allan@bybeck.dk

Publication date & source: 2010-06-21, Ugeskr Laeger., 172(25):1913-4.

Publication type: Case Reports; English Abstract

We describe a case of botulism in a 4.5 month-old girl with complete recovery after intravenous administration of botulism immune globulin. The girl was admitted for 19 days during which supplementary nasogastric feeding was necessary. Mechanical ventilation was not needed. Despite thorough investigation, contaminated food was not found. One particular batch of canned baby food was suspected and recalled from the market, but no contamination was found. The girl had not ingested honey. The condition is rare, but can be very serious and should be kept in mind in cases presenting with the well-defined symptoms of the condition.