Infant botulism in Australia: availability of human botulinum antitoxin for treatment

Abstract

We report the first Australian case of treatment of infant botulism with a human botulinum antitoxin developed in the United States by the California Department of Public Health. Our patient's clinical improvement was rapid, and although the product is expensive, cost-analysis supports the economical viability of its use. In future cases of suspected infant botulism, we recommend that Australian clinicians promptly obtain and administer this antitoxin to their patient.