3 research outputs found

    Screening forCronobacterSpecies in Powdered and Reconstituted Infant Formulas and from Equipment Used in Formula Preparation in Maternity Hospitals

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    Background/Aims: Cronobacter spp. have been identified as being of considerable risk to neonates. The occurrence of organism in infant formulas is therefore of considerable interest. Methods: The occurrence of Cronobacter spp. in infant feeds (formulas and fortified cow’s milk) was determined using most probable number (MPN) analysis, and from formula preparation utensils. Ninety nine samples were analyzed, of which 42 were unopened cans of powdered infant formula (PIF), 25 reconstituted infant formulas in feeding bottles, 27 utensils used from the preparation of infant formula, and 5 samples of fortified cow’s milk. Presumptive Cronobacter spp. isolates were identified using the 7 allele multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme. Results: C. sakazakii, C. malonaticus and C. muytjensii were recovered from PIF. Although the incidence of Cronobacter in PIF was 29% (12/42), the level was low with an average of 0.54 MPN/100g. According to MLST profiling, C. sakazakii was the most frequently isolated Cronobacter species, and C. sakazakii ST4 (associated with neonatal meningitis) was recovered from 2/42 PIF samples at 0.51 and 0.92 MPN/100g. Conclusions: Cronobacter spp. can be isolated from PIF and therefore strict hygienic practices during PIF preparation are important to minimize neonate exposure and reduce the risk of severe infections

    Protein sequences insight into heavy metal tolerance in Cronobacter sakazakii BAA-894 encoded by plasmid pESA3

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    The recently annotated genome of the bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii BAA-894 suggests the organism has the ability to bind heavy metals. This study demonstrates heavy metal tolerance in Cronobacter sakazakii, in which proteins with the heavy metal interaction were recognized by computational and experimental study. As the result, approximately one fourth of proteins encoded on the plasmid pESA3 are proposed to have potential interaction with heavy metals. Interaction between heavy metals and predicted proteins was further corroborated using protein crystal structures from protein data bank database and comparison of metal-binding ligands. In addition with, a phylogenetic study was undertaken for most toxic heavy metals, like arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury and obtained related tree pattern for lead, cadmium and arsenic. Laboratory studies confirmed the organism's tolerance to tellurite, copper and silver. These experimental and computational study data extend our understanding of the genes encoding for proteins of this important neonatal pathogen and provides further insights into the genotypes associated with features that can contribute to its persistence in the environment. The information will be of value for future environmental protection from heavy toxic metals
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