Infant botulism results from ingested C. botulinum spores germinating and producing toxin in the infant gut; adult botulism involves ingesting preformed toxin.
Infant botulism occurs when C. botulinum spores are ingested from the environment (like honey), germinate in the infant's immature gut, and produce toxin in vivo. In adult botulism, preformed toxin is ingested.
| Front | Describe pathogenesis of Infant Botulism |
|---|---|
| Back | Ingestion of C.botulinum endospores from the environment (honey) → spores germinate in the alkaline pH of immature GIT → toxin produced in vivo → in adult botulism, the preformed toxin is ingested |
Tags: microbiology
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