Infant botulism is fortunately rare, but can certainly occur in breastfed infants. The botulinum bacteria can grow in the gut of a breastfed baby and produces the toxin which causes the paralysis & muscle weakness. The bacteria doesn't grow in the mixed-E Coli flora of the adult gut. Adult cases of botulism are from ingesting the toxin itself from food sources (i.e., canned goods, etc.) The babies present with constipation (lack of gut motility) and weakness; can progress to respiratory insufficiency (from paralysis of respiratory muscles). Botulism will resolve with supportive treatment. Linda Shaw MD FAAP *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html