| الوصف: |
Cronobacter species (formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii) are opportunistic pathogens that consist of seven species including C. sakazakii, C. malonaticus, C. muytjensii, C. turicensis, C. dublinensis, C. universalis, and C. condimenti. This bacterium can cause meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteraemia and sepsis, predominantly in neonates with an under developed immune system, following the consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF). Therefore, Cronobacter represents an important challenge for the PIF industry.The reference method for the detection of Cronobacter takes up to seven days for the confirmation by using conventional bacteriological culture. Thus a detection platform, which can provide a reliable result within a shorter time frame, would be desirable for the PIF industry. Such a platform, known as Vitek Immuno Diagnostic Assay System (VIDAS®), was investigated for its specificity, sensitivity and accuracy, when Cronobacter was present in TSB culture or reconstituted PIF, or in the presence of other non-related competing species. Overall, VIDAS® Cronobacter kits can effectively detect most Cronobacter species within a 20-h period. This approach may provide a useful basis upon which to improve positive release protocols for the PIF industry generally.Serotyping often plays an essential role in the identification of bacteria of importance to human health. This strategy is based on the detection of cell surface antigens, thereby facilitating the epidemiologic classification of bacteria to the sub-species level. Previously our laboratory described the first two major serotypes for Cronobacter sakazakii, denoted as O:1 and O:2. Efforts in developing new serotyping protocols continue to be reported. In this study, five unique serotypes were identified, including C. turicensis O:3, C. muytjensii O:2, C. dublinensis O:1, C. dublinensis O:2, and C. universalis O:1.Monitoring the microbial ecology of PIF production sites is an important step in an attempt to limit the risk of ... |