Cronobacter ('Enterobacter sakazakii'): current status and future prospects.
The genus Cronobacter accommodates the 16 biogroups of the emerging opportunistic pathogen known formerly as Enterobacter sakazakii. Cronobacter spp. are occasional contaminants of milk powder and, consequently, powdered infant formula and represent a significant health risk to neonates. This review presents current knowledge of the food safety aspects of Cronobacter, particularly in infant formula milk powder. Sources of contamination, ecology, disease characteristics and risk management strategies are discussed. Future directions for research are indicated, with a particular focus on the management of this increasingly important bacterium in the production environment.
Chenu
J W
JW
Food Science and Technology, School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Cox
J M
JM
D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D044083:Cronobacter sakazakii / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004756:Enterobacteriaceae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D041943:Infant Formula; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D012308:Risk Management