The Journal of the Kentucky Medical Association
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Infant Botulism (IB) is a relatively uncommon, though potentially life-threatening neuroparalytic illness caused by the toxins elaborated by Clostridium botulinum (C botulinum). We describe two cases of Infant Botulism. Both these infants presented with a sepsis-like picture and were unsuspectingly treated with the conventional antibiotics ampicillin and gentamicin. ⋯ We suggest that cefotaxime be carefully considered instead of gentamicin in the initial management of infants presenting with a sepsis-like clinical picture and associated history of constipation, recent onset of hypotonia, poor feeding and/or drooling. Clinical trials evaluating human Botulism Immune Globulin (BIG) are under way by the California Department of Health. This article comes at a very timely moment because once FDA approved, BIG will be the only specific treatment available for this illness.