Enterobacter sakazakii: epidemiology, clinical presentation, prevention and control

The Enterobacter sakazakii is considered an emerging pathogen and has been recently connected to neonatal cases of necrotizing enterocolitis and meningitis due to use of contaminated powdered infant formula. However its presence is not limited to powdered infant formula; it can also be found in a broad range of foods and in water, in a variety of areas, including hospitals and houses. Due to the gravity of the infections attributed to E. sakazakii, it is necessary to introduce rigorous control measures to reduce the risks of contamination at various levels: industrial, to prevent from production to marketing the contamination of products; at a domestic level by reducing the risk of contamination, during preparation, handling, and storage, of reconstituted products; and legislative by establishing guidelines and recommendations issued by competent authorities, to guarantee the safety of infant food.