Clostridium Botulinum

1歲以下嬰幼兒食用蜂蜜，小心肉毒桿菌致命！

Clostridium Botulinum

小心1歲以下嬰幼兒食用蜂蜜後，可能因為肉毒桿菌致命！

前幾年日本與香港發生幼兒喝蜂蜜水死亡案例，就是因為蜂蜜的肉毒桿菌孢子，導致嬰幼兒腸胃道無法吸收而致命。曾有6週大的嬰兒肉毒桿菌中毒個案，出現肌肉張力低下症狀，尤其是頭頸部出現後仰情形，不可不慎。

肉毒桿菌屬神經毒素，易侵襲腸胃道及免疫系統

為什麼1歲以下嬰幼兒不適合吃蜂蜜？

蜂蜜濃稠氧氣成分少，而肉毒桿菌特別喜歡無氧環境，因此不少肉毒桿菌孢子會住在蜂蜜裡，多數成人因免疫系統及腸胃道消化系統穩定，吃下去沒有問題；但1歲以下嬰幼兒，因器官尚未發育完全，一旦吃下含有肉毒桿菌孢子的蜂蜜，恐怕難以挽救憾事。

肉毒桿菌屬於神經毒素，容易侵襲腸胃道及免疫系統，使得神經無法正常運作，導致腸道的肌肉及免疫系統，全部被擊垮，1歲以下嬰幼兒更須留意。

食用蜂蜜後幼兒昏睡、倦怠，家長小心留意

根據資料顯示，腸道型肉毒桿菌症其症狀從便秘開始，昏睡、倦怠、食欲不振、眼瞼下垂、吞嚥物困難、失去頭部控制、肌肉張力低下及全身性虛弱，有時會發展至呼吸無力衰竭而死亡。此症有很廣泛的特徵及嚴重程度，從輕微至突然死亡。

大部分1歲以下嬰幼兒肉毒桿菌症為A型或B型毒素引起，神經性症狀通常於12至36小時間出現，也有數天後才發作，潛伏期越短病情通常愈嚴重，死亡率愈高。

建議1歲以後再吃含有蜂蜜成分的製品，若父母不放心，不妨延至2歲後，再讓幼童食用蜂製品。

Infant and Colstridium Botulism

What Is Infant Botulism?

Infant botulism is an illness that can happen when a baby ingests (takes in) toxins from a type of bacteria. Babies with infant botulism (BAH-chuh-liz-im) can have muscle weakness, a weak cry, and trouble breathing.

They need to be treated in a hospital. With early diagnosis and proper medical care, a baby should fully recover from the illness.

What Causes Infant Botulism?

Infant botulism is caused by a toxin (poison) from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which live in soil and dust.

The bacteria can get on surfaces like carpets and floors and also can contaminate honey. That's why babies younger than 1 year old should never be given honey.

These bacteria are harmless to older kids and adults. That's because their mature digestive systems can move the toxins through the body before they cause harm.

Infant botulism usually affects babies who are 3 weeks to 6 months old. But all babies are at risk for it until their first birthday.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Infant Botulism?

Babies with infant botulism might have:

· constipation (often the first sign that parents notice)

· weak facial muscles that makes their face look "flat"

· a weak cry

· weak muscles in the arms, legs, and neck

· breathing problems

· trouble swallowing with a lot of drooling

They also might not feed well or move as much as usual.

How Is Infant Botulism Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose infant botulism by asking about the baby's symptoms. They'll do an exam, and might order tests to see how the baby's muscles are working.

How Is Infant Botulism Treated?

Babies with infant botulism need care in a hospital, usually in the intensive care unit (ICU). The health care team will try to limit the problems the toxin causes in the baby's body.

Doctors treat infant botulism with an antitoxin called botulism immune globulin intravenous (BIGIV). They give this to babies as soon as possible.

Babies with botulism who get BIGIV recover sooner and spend less time in the hospital than babies who don't.

If the toxin affects the breathing muscles, a baby might need to use a breathing machine (ventilator) for a few weeks until they get stronger. It also can affect the swallowing muscles, so babies usually need intravenous (IV) fluids or feedings through a tube to get nourishment.

Can Infant Botulism Be Prevented?

Experts don't know why some infants get botulism while others don't.

One way to reduce the risk of botulism is to not give infants honey or any processed foods with honey before their first birthday.

Honey is a proven source of the bacteria. If you have questions about other products to avoid, ask your doctor.