Clostridium botulinum is the bacterium that causes infant botulism.
November 20, 2025
high
microbiology
Identifies the pathogen responsible for infant botulism.
Clostridium botulinum is a species of bacterium that can form spores which produce botulinum neurotoxin capable of causing botulism if the toxin is produced inside an infant's gut.
November 11, 2025
high
microbiology
Pathogen responsible for producing the toxin that causes botulism
Infant botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces a toxin in the large intestine.
high
medical
General etiology of infant botulism as described by public health authorities.
Clostridium botulinum is spread through hardy spores present in the environment, and infection can cause serious illness including paralysis.
high
infectious_disease
Mode of transmission and potential severity of illness from C. botulinum exposure.
Detection of Clostridium botulinum in infant formula is difficult, and a negative laboratory test result does not definitively rule out the presence of the bacterium in the product.
high
laboratory
Limitations of laboratory testing for C. botulinum in food products as noted by health authorities.
Infant botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that form spores which can germinate in an infant's gut and produce a toxin that may lead to paralysis or death.
high
medical
Mechanism of infant botulism infection