Detection and Molecular Characterization of Cronobacter sakazakii Isolated from Powdered Infant Formula (PIF) from North Central Region, Nigeria

Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging ubiquitous and opportunistic pathogen that currently contaminates a wide spectrum of foods including powdered milk and poses a lethal threat to neonates, the elderly and persons with immune deficiencies. They cause life threatening neonatal meningitis, septicemia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. A total of 360 samples of powdered infant formula were collected from postnatal hospital attendees reconstituting the PIF for their children in the North Central region of Nigeria where cases of infant mortality are very high and presenting as enterocolitis and diarrhea. Pre-enriched samples were cultured in chromogenic Cronobacter broth and were then further sub-cultured into a chromogenic Cronobacter sakazakii agar. They were positive, exhibiting yellowish cultures typical of Cronobacter sakazakii. Biochemical tests of the isolates were also carried out and indicated the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. The isolates were then characterized molecularly using specie specific PCR detection of Cronobacter sakazakii. The targeted genes of interest were ompA gene and CPA gene. The isolates tested showed bands for ompA gene on electrophoresis imager and were confirmed as Cronobacter sakazakii. In Nigeria, majority of infants are still fed with PIF. There is no existing data on the detection of Cronobacter sakazakii previously reported in the North central region of Nigeria hence the need to carry out the present study. The result of the study demonstrated the need for effective prevention and control measures as contamination of PIF with Cronobacter sakazakii constituted potential public health risk to neonates and infants.