Comparison of Biochemical Profiles with Biogroups for the Identification of Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii)

The objectives of this study were to compare the biochemical profiles with biogroups for the identification of Cronobacter spp. (formally known as Enterobacter sakazakii) isolates using biochemical identification kits. A total of 38 Cronobacter spp. contained 5 clinical, 31 food, and 2 environmental isolates were used. All isolates were identified as Cronobacter spp. with the Vitek II system and ID 32E kit. The API 20E kit identified all isolates as Cronobacter spp. but the percentage identification was 51.1% for 16 of 38 isolates. These strains were contained to Biogroup 2, 9, 10, and 11. The utilization of inositol is a factor determining the percentage identification of Cronobacter spp. with the API 20E kit.