Species of Cronobacter – A review of recent advances in the genus and their significance in infant formula milk

Enterobacter sakazakii has recently been reclassified as the novel genus Cronobacter. These bacteria have been associated with disease outbreaks and sporadic infections, particularly in premature and immunocompromised infants. Cronobacter spp. can cause foodborne infections such as neonatal meningitis, septicaemia and necrotising enterocolitis. Infant formula milk is the only food source that has been epidemiologically linked to disease outbreaks caused by Cronobacter spp. This holds particular risk for premature and immunocompromised infants. This review focuses on the recent reclassification of Cronobacter and the importance that these pathogens pose to the food industry. The inactivation, inhibition, thermal, osmotic and desiccation tolerances of these bacteria are described, as well as improvements made in the isolation and detection methods of members of Cronobacter from food products.