Identification of Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii)

A taxonomic reclassification of the neonatal pathogen Enterobacter sakazakii to consist of five species within a new genus, Cronobacter, has recently been proposed. The correct identification of these organisms is important to clinicians. Therefore, using 312 Enterobacteriaceae, including 210 Cronobacter strains, the reliabilities of biochemical and genetic confirmation tests were investigated. All Cronobacter isolates were positive using dnaG and gluA PCR protocols, and all expressed alpha-glucosidase activity. ID32E v3.0 identified 99.5% of Cronobacter isolates (as the nearest match to E. sakazakii).