The hazards of honey: infantile botulism.
Infantile botulism is a rare cause of neuromuscular weakness resulting from ingestion of Clostridium botulinum-an anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus found universally in soil. The only definite food source known to cause infantile botulism is honey; previously, links to formula milk have been postulated but not definitely sourced. We present an interesting case report of a 2-month-old infant with this rare condition, including the diagnostic difficulties that ensued. A brief overview of the condition follows. This is the first case in the UK in which C botulinum was successfully isolated from both the patient and the suspected source-a jar of honey. The importance of food labelling as a public health message is highlighted.
Department of Paediatrics, RHSC Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. jennifer.k.smith@luht.scot.nhs.uk
Jennifer K
JK
Smith
Sarah
S
Burns
Steve
S
Cunningham
Julie
J
Freeman
Ailsa
A
McLellan
Kenneth
K
McWilliam
D001906:Botulism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D047013:Clostridium botulinum type A; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006722:Honey / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis