title: Infant botulism.
abstract: Infant botulism is a unique neuromuscular disease affecting infants less than six months old. It is the result of intraintestinal toxin production by C. botulinum (toxi-infection). Characteristic symptoms include constipation, lethargy, and decreased feeding. Physical examination often reveals generalized hypotonia with cranial nerve impairment. Recovery is dependent on supportive care in an intensive care setting. The relationship of this disease to the sudden infant death syndrome requires further study.
mesh_terms: D001904:Botulinum Antitoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000494:pharmacology; D001906:Botulism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects; D010808:Physical Examination; D013398:Sudden Infant Death
chemical_list: D001904:Botulinum Antitoxin; D001905:Botulinum Toxins