The hazards of honey: Infantile botulism

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.