ABSTRACT
Since the first two cases of infant botulism were diagnosed in the United States (Pickett et al., 1976), approximately 1000 cases of infant botulism have been reported from around the world, predominantly (>90%) from the United States. The disease, which affects otherwise healthy children usually less than 1 year old, is characterized by constipation, generalized weakness, and various neurological disorders (Arnon, 1989). While most patients require hospitalization, fatal cases are rare. After its recognition as a disease, it quickly became evident that infant botulism presented a new pathogenic role for Clostridium botulinum.
