Infant botulism can occur when a child ingests Clostridium botulinum- type bacteria (such as honey, especially if unpasteurized), which joints in the intestine will produce neurotoxic toxins. These affect muscular contractility and therefore also the movement of ventilation, making the pathology potentially lethal; fortunately, nowadays, this occurrence is more unique than rare.
In the US, there are less than 100 cases of infant botulism per year and their course varies mainly by the timeliness with which they are recognized. Since honey is a potentially carrier of this microorganism (even if it is not the most easily contaminated product or responsible for botulism in adults), it is advisable not to give it to children under 12 months of age.
WARNING! With reference to the previous suggestion, it is TOTALLY not recommended to administer NOT pasteurized honey to infants!
Infant botulism most easily affects children between 3 weeks and 6 months of life, although the risk does not drop dramatically until the end of the first year of age. This is because, while a more mature digestive system should be able to eliminate the spores with the feces and, possibly, to fight the few bacteria that hatch ... a less developed one instead no, which is why an uncontrolled proliferation takes place which induces the accumulation of neurotoxins.
Another form of botulism that can affect infants has a totally different etiology: it is the botulism of wounds; this involves the infection of the same of the spores or bacteria, with relative production of toxins and complication of the state of health. The adult food botulism, on the other hand, is conveyed above all by preserved and canned foods that already contain the toxin (even with a reduced bacterial or spore load).
Botulism symptoms appear between 3 and 30 days after a child takes Clostridium botulinum spores. Intestinal constipation is generally the first identifiable symptom (contrary to what one might expect from a food-borne infection, which more often generates diarrhea); it is therefore advisable to consult your doctor if the infant spends up to 3 days without evacuating.
Other symptoms of infant botulism may include:
- Flat facial expression
- Weak sun
- Weak plants, similar to moans
- Decreased movements
- Difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation
- Respiratory problems
