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Development of an improved protocol for the isolation and detection of Enterobacter sakazakii (Cronobacter) from
Yi Chen1, Kwang-Yong Song, Eric W Brown
1U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway HFS-711, College Park, Maryland 20740, USA.
Insights
A new method rapidly detects Enterobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula (PIF). This approach ensures infant safety by identifying contamination quickly, preventing serious illness outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Enterobacter sakazakii is a pathogen causing severe, sometimes fatal, infections in infants.
- Contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF) has been linked to infant illness outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient method for isolating and detecting Enterobacter sakazakii in PIF.
- To provide a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool for PIF analysis.
Main Methods:
- Combined Taqman real-time PCR for sensitive detection.
- Utilized Brilliance E. sakazakii and R&F chromogenic agars for selective isolation.
- Employed RAPID ID 32E biochemical tests for confirmation.
Main Results:
- The developed method allows for analysis within 1-2 days.
- Real-time PCR serves dual roles in screening and confirming E. sakazakii.
- Method effectiveness depends on microbial load and stress in PIF.
Conclusions:
- A novel, integrated method offers rapid detection of E. sakazakii in PIF.
- This approach enhances infant formula safety by enabling swift identification of contamination.
- The method is suitable for routine screening and confirmation in food safety laboratories.
Abstract:
Enterobacter sakazakii causes severe maladies and, in some cases, is fatal among infants. Powdered infant formula (PIF) contaminated with E. sakazakii has been documented as a potential cause of several outbreaks involving infants. This study describes the development of a method for the isolation and detection of E. sakazakii from PIF. It combines Taqman real-time PCR, Brilliance E. sakazakii and R&F chromogenic agars, and RAPID ID 32E biochemical tests. This method provides an expedient analysis within 1 to 2 days depending on the amount and stress status of E. sakazakii organisms and competing microorganisms in PIF. The real-time PCR has bifunctional applications, including both screening and culture confirmation of E. sakazakii.
