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Cronobacter sakazakii Infections in Two Infants Linked to Powdered Infant Formula and Breast Pump Equipment - United
Insights
Cronobacter sakazakii infections in infants can be fatal. Whole genome sequencing linked infant meningitis cases to contaminated powdered formula and breast pump equipment, emphasizing safe handling practices.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Cronobacter sakazakii is a gram-negative bacterium causing severe infant meningitis and sepsis.
- This pathogen is widespread in the environment and linked to infant formula and breast pump contamination.
- Previous outbreaks involved contaminated powdered formula and breast pump equipment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two recent cases of Cronobacter sakazakii meningitis in infants.
- To investigate the sources of infection using whole genome sequencing (WGS).
- To highlight the importance of safe infant feeding practices and WGS in investigations.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was performed on bacterial isolates.
- Case investigations were conducted by the CDC.
- Epidemiological data from two infant cases were analyzed.
Main Results:
- WGS linked one infant case to contaminated opened powdered infant formula.
- WGS linked the second infant case to contaminated breast pump equipment.
- Both cases involved Cronobacter sakazakii meningitis.
Conclusions:
- Cronobacter sakazakii remains a significant threat to infant health, particularly through contaminated formula and feeding equipment.
- Safe preparation, storage, and cleaning practices are crucial to prevent infant infections.
- Whole genome sequencing is an effective tool for tracing the sources of Cronobacter sakazakii outbreaks.
Abstract:
Cronobacter sakazakii, a species of gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, is known to cause severe and often fatal meningitis and sepsis in young infants. C. sakazakii is ubiquitous in the environment, and most reported infant cases have been attributed to contaminated powdered infant formula (powdered formula) or breast milk that was expressed using contaminated breast pump equipment (1-3). Previous investigations of cases and outbreaks have identified C. sakazakii in opened powdered formula, breast pump parts, environmental surfaces in the home, and, rarely, in unopened powdered formula and formula manufacturing facilities (2,4-6). This report describes two infants with C. sakazakii meningitis reported to CDC in September 2021 and February 2022. CDC used whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis to link one case to contaminated opened powdered formula from the patient's home and the other to contaminated breast pump equipment. These cases highlight the importance of expanding awareness about C. sakazakii infections in infants, safe preparation and storage of powdered formula, proper cleaning and sanitizing of breast pump equipment, and using WGS as a tool for C. sakazakii investigations.
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