Infant botulism in Denmark from 1995 to 2015.

INTRODUCTION

Infant botulism is a rare, probably underdiagnosed, life-threatening disease caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

METHODS

We investigated reported cases of infant botulism in Denmark from 1995 to 2015, and compared the incidence with that of other western countries.

RESULTS

We found nine cases of infant botulism in Denmark from 1995 to 2015. The incidence of infant botulism in Denmark was similar to that seen in other western countries, but likely underestimated. The source of infection was only confirmed in a single case. Four cases received botulism immune globulin, intravenous (BIG-IV), which was administered within 7-10 days from admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Infant botulism is probably underdiagnosed. Increased awareness is crucial to be able to recognise the condition. The time delay from hospital admission to administration of BIG-IV is challenging. Studies have shown that BIG-IV reduces both mean duration of intensive care and mean length of hospital stay; however, this was not confirmed in our work due to the limited number of patients.

FUNDING: none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.