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Infant botulism: A review in South Australia (1980–89)
D. G. THOMAS,
D. G. THOMAS
Department of Paediatrics, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorD. G. THOMAS,
D. G. THOMAS
Department of Paediatrics, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorD. G. Thomas, Lecturer in Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
D. G. Thomas, MB, BS, FRACP, Lecturer in Paediatrics, formerly Paediatric Registrar, Adelaide Children's Hospital.
Abstract
Between March 1980 and March 1989 there were six identified cases of infant botulism. The presenting symptoms were predominantly poor feeding, lethargy and constipation, and the presenting signs were predominantly hypotonia, weak gag reflex and respiratory difficulty. All required intensive care and prolonged hospital stays. Recovery was eventually complete in all cases. Infant botulism is an uncommon condition but early recognition with adequate intensive care usually results in complete recovery.
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