Infant Botulism, Israel, 2007-2021

Abstract

Infant botulism (IB) is an intestinal toxemia that manifests as descending paralysis, constipation, and, in some cases, respiratory failure. Laboratory-confirmed IB cases are rare, and recent data in Israel are lacking. We conducted a national multicenter retrospective study of laboratory-confirmed IB cases reported in Israel during 2007-2021. A total of 8 cases were reported during the study period. During 2019-2021, incidence may have increased because of a cluster of 5 cases. Infant median age for diagnosis was 6.5 months, older than previously reported (3 months). Most cases occurred during March-July. Honey consumption was reported in 1 case, and possible environmental risk factors (living nearby rural or construction areas, dust exposure, and having a father who works as a farmer) were reported in 6 cases. Although IB is rare, its incidence in Israel may have increased over recent years, and its epidemiology and risk factors differ from cases reported previously in Israel.

Keywords: Clostridium botulinum; Israel; bacteria; botulism neurotoxin; epidemiology; food safety; foodborne diseases; honey; infant botulism; pediatrics.

Figure

Cases of infant botulism by 3-year period, Israel, 2007–2021. Numbers above bars indicate incidence for that period (no. cases/100,000 population).