Development of an improved protocol for the isolation and detection of Enterobacter sakazakii (Cronobacter) from powdered infant formula.

Enterobacter sakazakii causes severe maladies and, in some cases, is fatal among infants. Powdered infant formula (PIF) contaminated with E. sakazakii has been documented as a potential cause of several outbreaks involving infants. This study describes the development of a method for the isolation and detection of E. sakazakii from PIF. It combines Taqman real-time PCR, Brilliance E. sakazakii and R&F chromogenic agars, and RAPID ID 32E biochemical tests. This method provides an expedient analysis within 1 to 2 days depending on the amount and stress status of E. sakazakii organisms and competing microorganisms in PIF. The real-time PCR has bifunctional applications, including both screening and culture confirmation of E. sakazakii.