The syndrome is characterized by the onset of constipation between one and 38 weeks of age. The infants are often described as floppy. A characteristic pattern of brief, small, abundant motor-unit action potentials on electromyography has been noted. Hypoventilation and apnea may occur, occasionally resulting in sudden death. The presence of C. botulinum organisms or toxin in the feces confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment is directed at maintaining nutrition and ventilatory function.
A clinical trial is under way in California to assess the effectiveness of immune globulin for infant botulism, which should be administered as early in the course of the illness as possible.