Infant botulism in France, 1991–2009

Infant botulism is caused by the ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores and affects newborns and infants under 12 months of age. The spores multiply and produce botulinum toxin in the digestive tract, leading to clinical symptoms. Only one French case of this disease had been reported in the literature prior to 1991. We describe the cases of infant botulism identified in France between 1991 and 2009. Any clinical suspicion of botulism is subject to mandatory reporting (MR). Biological confirmation of the cases was performed by the National Reference Center (NRC) for Anaerobic Bacteria and Botulism. Between 1991 and 2009, 7 cases were reported, all in girls. Their median age was 119 days, and they all presented with constipation and oculomotor disorders. All were hospitalized, and their health status improved favorably. The laboratory diagnosis of botulism was confirmed in all cases. Honey consumption, the only documented risk factor for this disease, was reported in 3 infants. Infant botulism, a form of botulism that was previously extremely rare, has been reported more frequently in France in recent years. It remains, however, rarely diagnosed but serious. In light of recent epidemiological data, raising awareness among healthcare professionals and parents about the risk of infant botulism, particularly associated with honey consumption, appears necessary. (R.A.)

Author(s): King LA, Popoff MR, Mazuet C, Espie E, Vaillant V, de Valk H

Publishing year: 2010

Pages: 1288-92

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