Outbreak Investigation
Investigation of An Infant Botulism Case, 2020
DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202112_37(23).0001Hsin-Yi Wei1*, Hui-Wen Chuang1, Shu-Ching Hsu2, Chung-Min Shen2, Yu-Fang Tsai1, Hsiao-Ping Tung1, Jui-Wei Hsieh1
2021 Vol.37 NO.23
Correspondence Author： Hsin-Yi Wei1*
- 1Taipei Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
- 2Pediatric Department, Cathay General Hospital
Abstract：
In June 2020, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC) received a case of suspected infant botulinum in a 4-month-old boy. The boy experienced constipation, loss of appetite and decreased activity 10 days after the first non-staple food consumption. The diagnosis was confirmed after the botulinum nucleic acid was detected in the stool. Infant botulism cases are extremely rare in Taiwan. This is the second case of infant botulism since 2015.
In regard to treatment, botulinum antitoxin can be used to neutralize the free toxins in the serum to prevent further damage to the receptors of neuromuscular junction. The Botulinum Antitoxin Receipt Precautions updated by TCDC in 2018 contains the recommended dose for infants under 1 year old, which can be applied for after careful evaluation by clinicians. This article summarized the findings of the investigation. The purpose of the article was to remind parents that preparing non-staple food must be heated at a high temperature to destroy the botulinum toxin and spores, and to provide clinicians with reference for diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.
