Screening for Cronobacter species in powdered and reconstituted infant formulas and from equipment used in formula preparation in maternity hospitals.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cronobacter spp. have been identified as being of considerable risk to neonates. The occurrence of organisms in infant formulas is therefore of considerable interest.

METHODS

The occurrence of Cronobacter spp. in infant feeds (formulas and fortified cow's milk) was determined using most probable number (MPN) analysis, and from formula preparation utensils. Ninety-nine samples were analyzed, of which 42 were unopened cans of powdered infant formula (PIF), 25 reconstituted infant formulas in feeding bottles, 27 utensils used in the preparation of infant formula and 5 samples of fortified cow's milk. Presumptive Cronobacter spp. isolates were identified using the 7 allele multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme.

RESULTS

C. sakazakii, C. malonaticus and C. muytjensii were recovered from PIF. Although the incidence of Cronobacter in PIF was 29% (12/42), the level was low with an average of 0.54 MPN/100 g. According to MLST profiling, C. sakazakii was the most frequently isolated Cronobacter species, and C. sakazakii ST4 (associated with neonatal meningitis) was recovered from 2/42 PIF samples at 0.51 and 0.92 MPN/100 g.

CONCLUSIONS

Cronobacter spp. can be isolated from PIF and therefore strict hygienic practices during PIF preparation are important to minimize neonate exposure and reduce the risk of severe infections.