Identification of Seven Species of the Genus Cronobacter and Discrimination of a False-Positive Bacterium in ISO/TS 22964 by Genus- and Species-Specific PCR Assays

Abstract

Cronobacter spp., formerly Enterobacter sakazakii, are regarded as pathogens that cause rare but severe cases of disease in neonates and infants, and several cases were linked to the consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula. There are very few reports regarding methods which can identify Cronobacter spp. rapidly and easily. Hence, we developed a new identification protocol that can distinguish seven species of Cronobacter by using genus-, species-specific PCR assays. In addition, this study revealed Franconibacter pulveris is a false-positive bacterium in ISO/TS 22964. As a result of validation tests, it was confirmed that the accurate identification of Cronobacter spp. was able to be achieved without misidentifying F. pulveris as Cronobacter by the protocol shown in this study.