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Characterization of Cronobacter recovered from dried milk and related products

Walid M El-Sharoud1, Stephen O'Brien, Carmen Negredo

  • 1Food Safety and Microbial Physiology Laboratory, Dairy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt. wmel_sharoud@mans.edu.eg

BMC Microbiology
|February 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cronobacter bacteria were found in Egyptian dried milk products, posing a risk of infection, especially to infants. This study identified contamination sources and characterized the bacterial strains, highlighting the need for further food safety measures.

Area of Science:

  • Food Microbiology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cronobacter, a genus including Enterobacter sakazakii, causes severe infections in infants and immunocompromised individuals.
  • Infant formula is a known transmission route, but food reservoirs remain largely undefined.
  • Identifying food sources is crucial for preventing Cronobacter transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize Cronobacter strains in dried milk and related products from an Egyptian market.
  • To assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Cronobacter in these food items.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and identification of Cronobacter from 152 dairy products.
  • Phenotypic characterization using biochemical tests.
  • Genotypic analysis including real-time PCR, PFGE, rep-PCR, and recN gene sequencing.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

  • Sixteen Cronobacter strains were isolated from 152 samples.
  • Three strains exhibited resistance to trimethoprim and/or neomycin.
  • PFGE identified 8 types, and rep-PCR identified 3 types, indicating genetic diversity.
  • recN gene sequencing differentiated Cronobacter species.

Conclusions:

  • Cronobacter contamination was confirmed in dried milk products from Egypt.
  • Antibiotic resistance in some isolates highlights potential public health risks.
  • Combined phenotypic and genotypic analysis is recommended for effective control and prevention of Cronobacter transmission in food products.
Abstract

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