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Cronobacter Species Contamination of Powdered Infant Formula and the Implications for Neonatal Health

Gautam Kalyantanda1, Lyudmila Shumyak1, Lennox Kenneth Archibald2

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL , USA.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|July 21, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cronobacter bacteria in powdered infant formula (PIF) pose a serious risk to neonates. Understanding Cronobacter

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Food Safety

Background:

  • Cronobacter, a type of Enterobacteriaceae, causes infections in neonates, particularly premature infants.
  • Over 90% of these infections are linked to powdered infant formula (PIF).
  • Contamination can occur during PIF manufacturing, reconstitution, or storage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the characteristics of Cronobacter that contribute to neonatal infections.
  • To highlight the role of powdered infant formula in Cronobacter transmission.
  • To inform on existing guidelines for reducing PIF-associated Cronobacter infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Cronobacter pathogenesis and epidemiology.
  • Analysis of Cronobacter's intrinsic properties enabling virulence.
  • Examination of contamination points in the powdered infant formula supply chain.

Main Results:

  • Cronobacter exhibits resistance to heat, UV radiation, oxidative stress, stomach acid, and pasteurization.
  • The organism utilizes sialic acid, a PIF additive, for growth and survival.
  • Cronobacter demonstrates a strong affinity for biofilms in enteral feeding tubes.

Conclusions:

  • Cronobacter's resilience and nutritional adaptability contribute to its pathogenicity in neonates.
  • Powdered infant formula serves as a significant vehicle for Cronobacter transmission.
  • Guidelines from WHO and FDA aim to mitigate risks associated with PIF production and handling.

Keywords:
CronobacterEnterobacternecrotizing enterocolitisneonatal meningitisneonatal mortalityneonatal sepsispowdered infant formulasakazakii

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