Infant botulism is caused by the ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores, while botulism in older children and adults is most commonly caused by the ingestion of toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Partially true
• D. Not determinable

Answer: (A)

Infant botulism occurs when a baby ingests spores of Clostridium botulinum that colonize the immature gut; these spores germinate and the bacteria produce toxin in the intestine, causing illness. In older children and adults, botulism is typically due to ingestion of preformed botulinum toxin in contaminated food, because a mature gut flora and gut environment make in-body toxin production from spores much less likely. Rare exceptions exist (such as wound botulism or unusual adult intestinal colonization), but the common pattern is ingestion of toxin in food for older individuals. This aligns with the statement, so it is correct.