Infant botulism is caused by intestinal colonization by Clostridium botulinum, C.
barati or C. butyricum. Infant botulism has only rarely been reported outside the
USA. A 3-month-old boy developed constipation, lethargy, feeding difficulties and
descending, severe, symmetric weakness. He was breastfed but had also been fed honey.
Supportive care led to complete recovery. The serum was positive for C. botulinum
toxin type A-F (mouse toxin neutralization assay). A strain of C. botulinum producing
toxin type A and E was identified in the stool. C. botulinum was identified in a jar
of honey of the same brand as the honey fed to the patient.
Infant botulism - Clostridium botulinum -Floppy infant
