CRONOBACTER
Cronobacter is a group of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that is found in the environment, and which can survive in very dry places.
- Cronobacter which used to be called Enterobacter sakazakii has been found in a variety of dry foods, like powdered infant formula, skimmed milk powder, herbal teas, and starches. It has also been found in waterways/sewers.
- Getting sick with cronobacter is rare, but cronobacter infections are often always lethal for babies/infants.
- Cronobacter infections can also be serious for the elderly and people with a weakened immune system.
- Cronobacter kills 40-80% of infected children.
SOURCES
In children, most cases of cronobacter infection come from powdered infant formula contaminated with the bacterium. Sometimes powdered formula can get contaminated at the factory. This could happen if contaminated ingredients are used to make the formula, or if the formula powder touches a contaminated surface in the manufacturing environment.
According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, manufacturers report that using current methods, it is not possible to eliminate all germs from powdered infant formula in the factory.
Other times, the powdered formula can be contaminated after it is opened at home or somewhere else since the Cronobacter bacterium lives in the environment. This could happen if the lids or scoops are placed on surfaces covered by Cronobacter and later come in touch with the formula, or if the formula is mixed with water or a bottle that has cronobacter.
SYMPTOMS
Cronobacter causes several kinds of conditions, and symptoms vary with the age of the patient and the site of infection.
For infants, less than 12 months– Cronobacter can cause severe meningitis or sepsis in babies especially those less than 2 months. Cronobacter germs usually get in the blood or cause inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Some may experience seizures. Those with meningitis may also develop brain abscesses, hydrocephalus, or other serious, long-lasting problems in their brain.
Infections from cronobacter in babies usually start with fever and poor feeding, constant crying, excessive sleeping, sluggishness, irritability.
People of all ages- Cronobacter can cause wound infections in cuts, scrapes, or places where people have had operations. It can also cause urinary tract infections. Older people and people with weakened immune system (as seen in people with HIV/AIDS, those using immune-suppressing drugs for cancer, organ transplants, or other illnesses), or those with a genetic condition that affects the immune system may get cronobacter in their blood.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Cronobacter infection is mostly diagnosed by testing blood or other samples in the lab.
TREATMENT
Antibiotics may be used for babies with the bacterium in their blood
Babies with meningitis may need imaging tests to help detect brain abscess and other complications.
People with urinary tract infections or serious wound infections should be treated with antibiotics.
PREVENTION
Extra precautions should be taken by parents or caregivers of babies with a weakened immune system, infants born prematurely, and those less than 3 months. The following recommendation should be used:
Breastfeeding is the best option
If you use formula, consider choosing those in liquid form
Always practice proper hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap and water before:
- Preparing and feeding foods or bottles to your baby
- Touching your baby’s mouth
- After using the toilet or changing diapers
Keep all items that enter the baby’s mouth clean.