Botulism in Infants

Infant botulism is a serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores germinating in an infant's immature digestive system, leading to toxin production and paralysis. Honey is a known source of these spores and should be avoided in infants under one year of age.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Infants under one year of age are particularly susceptible because their digestive systems lack the mature gut microbiota to outcompete Clostridium botulinum. When infants ingest spores of this bacterium (commonly found in honey), the spores can germinate in the intestines and produce botulinum toxin. This toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Symptoms may include constipation, poor feeding, lethargy, weak cry, loss of head control ('floppy baby syndrome'), and in severe cases, respiratory failure.