Infant botulism

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Infant intestines

• Constipation
• Infant appears "floppy"
• Tired all the time (lethargy)
• Weak cry
• Poor feeding and weak suckling
• Loss of head control
• Infant doesn't gag
• Respiratory distress
• Eyelids sag or partially close ( ptosis)
• Paralysis that spreads downward
• Respiratory failure

The doctor will perform a physical exam. Symptoms such as decreased muscle tone (hypotonia), missing or decreased gag reflex, missing or decreased deep tendon reflexes, and eyelid drooping (ptosis) may be noted.

A stool sample from the baby may be examined to check for the botulinum toxin or bacteria.

Electromyography (EMG) can be done to help tell the difference between muscle and neurological problems.

Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.