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Botulism in an infant

This 6-week-old infant displayed a posture that was caused by botulinum toxin, which manifested as a marked loss of muscle tone, especially in the region of the head and neck. This toxin is made by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, and sometimes Cl. butyricum and Cl. baratii bacteria as well. These bacteria can be spread by food, and sometimes by other means, including potentially in bioterrorism. (Source: Public Health Image Library ID# 1935, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. Public domain.)