Vehículos Implicados en la Transmisión del Botulismo del Lactante

LÚQUEZ C, BIANCO MI, DE JONG LIT, DEGARBO SM, FERNÁNDEZ RA

Mendoza, Argentina

Otro; XX Reunión Científica Anual de la Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2002

Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo

Intestinal colonization of Clostridium botulinum (Cb) and later absorption of its toxin cause infant botulism (IB). It affects infants under one year of age. The main source of infection would be the soil, but other vehicles, like honey and medicinal herbs, must be considered. Our principal aim was to contribute with the knowledge of transmission of IB. The following samples were examined for Cb: 276 of soil from Mendoza, 50 of honey, and 23 of Matricaria sp (Mt) acquired in Mendoza. The most probable number (MPN) method was used to estimate the spore number in all samples of Mt and 76 of soil. Cb was detected in 117 soil (42.4%) and 6 Mt (63.7%) samples. The honey samples were negative. The MPN/g Cb spores in 6 Mt samples was 0,31 (0,09-1.03)*. In 30 soil samples it was comprendido between 0,14 (0,03-0,63) and 7,59 (1,67-34,37). *(95% confidence limits) The high prevalence and concentration of Cb in soils would be the principal factors in the air borne IB transmission. In addition, Mt would be a potential vehicle of Cb spores. Even though honey samples were negative for Cb, previous works indicate it should be taken into consideration.