[Taxonomy and pathogenic mechanism of Cronobacter (Enterobacter sakazakii)--a review].

Enterobacter sakazakii is an important food-borne pathogen that causes life-threatening meningitis and necrotizing colitis in neonates and children. In 2008, Enterobacter sakazakii has been reclassified as five species in a new genus, Cronobacter gen. nov. within the Enterobacteriaceae. There is the variation in virulence between species in the new genus. OmpA of Cronobacter gen. nov. plays a critical role in attachment to their host cell and persistence within macrophages. Disruption of the tight junction significantly enhances the efficiency of invasion. Specific probiotic strains and their combinations counteract adhesion of Cronobacter gen. nov to intestinal mucus. At present, very limited information is available regarding the pathogenesis of Cronobacter gen. nov. Further detailed mechanism studies on the pathogenicity are warranted.