Botulism in infants under one year of age is commonly caused by:

Prepare for the Medical Management of Biological Casualties Test. Engage with multiple choice questions, comprehensive explanations and detailed content. Equip yourself for success!

Infant botulism happens when an infant eats Clostridium botulinum spores that then colonize the immature gut and produce toxin there. Because the infant’s gut microbiota isn’t fully developed, spores can germinate and generate toxin in the intestine, leading to the characteristic flaccid paralysis. This is different from adults, where illness usually results from ingesting preformed toxin in contaminated food. Inhalation or direct contact with contaminated surfaces aren’t typical routes. Honey is a known source of these spores, which is why it’s advised not to give honey to babies under one year.