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Published on: November 16, 2012
Draft Genome Sequence of Cronobacter sakazakii Cr268, Isolated from Infant Powder Formula
Gal Zizelski Valenci1, Mor Rubinstein1, Reuven Afriat1
1Ministry of Health, National Public Health Laboratory, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Insights
Cronobacter sakazakii, a pathogen causing severe infant infections, was identified in infant formula. This study announces the genome of strain Cr268, a new member of the C. sakazakii group.
Area of Science:
- Food microbiology
- Genomics
- Pathogen identification
Background:
- Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging pathogen linked to severe infant illnesses like meningitis and sepsis.
- The pathogen has been detected in powdered infant formula, posing a public health risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To announce the genome sequence of Cronobacter sakazakii strain Cr268.
- To characterize a Cronobacter sakazakii isolate obtained from imported infant formula.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Cronobacter sakazakii strain Cr268 from powdered infant formula.
- Confirmation using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and biochemical analysis.
- Whole genome sequencing of the identified isolate.
Main Results:
- Cronobacter sakazakii strain Cr268 was successfully isolated and identified.
- The genome sequence represents a novel addition to the known C. sakazakii group.
- The isolate was confirmed through established microbiological and mass spectrometry techniques.
Conclusions:
- The genome sequence of Cronobacter sakazakii strain Cr268 provides valuable data for understanding this emerging pathogen.
- This genomic information can aid in future surveillance and control strategies for Cronobacter sakazakii in food products.
Abstract:
Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging pathogen that causes meningitis, bacteremia, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. Strain Cr268 was isolated from imported powdered infant formula in 2009 during routine microbial examination according to ISO-22964 ("Microbiology of the food chain-horizontal method for the detection of Cronobacter spp."). Isolate Cr268 was confirmed to be C. sakazakii by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and standard biochemical analysis. Here, we announce its genome, which represents a new member in the C. sakazakii group.

