Infant Botulism in Costa Rica: A Case Report Featuring Electrodiagnostic Studies.

Infant botulism (IB) is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum). We present the case of a four-month-old Costa Rican female who was hospitalized with poor sucking, feeding difficulties, constipation, hypotonia, and respiratory failure. Clinical history, physical examination findings, and electrodiagnostic studies strongly suggested IB. Although clinical suspicion primarily depends on a thorough history and physical examination, confirmatory tests can take considerable time to yield results. Electrodiagnostic studies may facilitate an earlier diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment. Additionally, although this is only the second reported case in Costa Rica, it is the first in which electrodiagnostic studies were performed locally to support the diagnosis.