The hazards of honey: infantile botulism

BMJ Case Rep. 2010 Sep 29:2010:bcr0520103038. doi: 10.1136/bcr.05.2010.3038.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Botulism / diagnosis
  • Botulism / etiology*
  • Botulism / therapy
  • Clostridium botulinum type A
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Honey / adverse effects*
  • Honey / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / diagnosis