To      : Debbie


 From my 1996 Edition...
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Botulism                Fax # 1048


Botulism is a syndrome produced by the deadly toxin secreted by clostridium
botulinum.  Although the bacteria is wide spread,  its colonization in food or
the intestine of infants produces a deadly toxin.  The syndrome is
characterized by GI distress, weakness, malaise, lightheadedness, sore throat
and nausea. Dry mouth is almost universal.  In most adult poisoning,  the
bacteria is absent, only the toxin is present.  In most pediatric poisoning,
the stomach is colonized by the bacterium,  often from contaminated honey.  In
one published report,  a woman severely poisoned by botulism toxin continued to
breastfeed her infant throughout.  Four hours after admission,  her milk was
free of botulinum toxin and C. botulinum bacteria although she was still
severely ill.   The infant showed no symptoms of poisoning.  It is apparent
from this case that neither botulinum bacteria, nor the toxin are secreted in
breastmilk.

Adverse Effects: GI distress, weakness, malaise, lightheadedness, sore throat,
nausea, dry mouth

References:
1.      Middaugh J. Botulism and Breast Milk. N. Engl. J. Med. 298:343, 1978.