Cronobacter sakazakii is a type of bacterium found naturally in the environment. This germ has the potential to cause illness, particularly in vulnerable populations. While infections are rare, they can be serious, especially for infants. Understanding this bacterium, its sources, and how to prevent its spread is important for public health.
Understanding Cronobacter Sakazakii
Cronobacter sakazakii is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It can survive in very dry conditions, a characteristic known as xerotolerance. This allows it to persist in environments where other bacteria might not, making it a concern in certain food products. Infections can lead to severe health issues, including bloodstream infections like sepsis and central nervous system infections such as meningitis.
Common Sources and Transmission
Cronobacter sakazakii is commonly found in various environmental settings, including homes, processing plants, and on the soles of shoes. A primary concern for infants is powdered infant formula, which can become contaminated during manufacturing or preparation. While the bacteria cannot grow in dry powdered formula, they can survive for extended periods and multiply rapidly once rehydrated, especially if not prepared or stored correctly.
Contamination can also occur during formula preparation if contaminated water or unclean surfaces and feeding equipment, such as bottles or breast pump parts, are used. Other potential environmental sources include powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. Cronobacter is not typically found in breast milk.
Who is at Risk and Symptoms
Infants are particularly susceptible to Cronobacter infections, with those under two months old, premature infants, and infants with weakened immune systems facing the highest risk. In these vulnerable infants, Cronobacter can cause severe and life-threatening illnesses. These include meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and sepsis, a dangerous whole-body response to an infection.
Symptoms in infants may include poor feeding, irritability, noticeable changes in body temperature, jaundice, grunting breaths, or unusual body movements. Complications of these infections can be severe, potentially leading to brain abscesses, developmental delays, or motor impairments. While older children and adults are rarely severely affected, they may experience milder symptoms such as diarrhea or urinary tract infections.
Prevention and Safe Practices
Preventing Cronobacter infections primarily involves meticulous hygiene during infant formula preparation and feeding.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling formula or feeding equipment.
- Sterilize all feeding equipment, including bottles, nipples, and breast pump parts.
- For powdered infant formula, use hot water heated to at least 70°C (158°F) to prepare the formula.
- After mixing, cool the prepared formula to body temperature before feeding.
- Store prepared formula safely in the refrigerator and discard it after 24 hours.
- Regularly clean and sanitize all surfaces where formula is prepared or bottles are placed.
- Consider breastfeeding, when possible, to avoid risks associated with powdered infant formula.