treatment

Last reviewed 07/2021

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  • principles of treatment are clearance of toxin from the gastrointestinal tract and supportive measures.
  • ventilation may be required and a careful watch for respiratory failure is necessary at all stages of the condition
  • prompt treatment of infant botulism type A or type B with human botulism immune globulin has been shown to be safe and effective in shortening the length of the hospital stay and the severity of illness
  • guanidine hydrochloride may lead to some clinical improvement.

Complete recovery occurs if the patient survives the severe stages of the condition; however this is very gradual.

Reference:

  1. Aron SS et al. Human botulism immune globulin for the treatment of infant botulism. NEJM 2006;354:462-71.