ABSTRACT
This chapter provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases caused by Cronobacter in relation to their etiology, biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Cronobacter is implicated in various types of infections involving newborns and infants, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), meningitis, and sepsis. Although the Cronobacter genus comprises a diverse group of gram-negative bacilli. Cronobacter species can be identified by traditional culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Since Cronobacter infections are rare, the epidemiology of this genus is incomplete and often underreported, particularly in developing countries. Since PIF contaminated with Cronobacter spp. may be responsible for the onset of NEC by this class of pathogens, prevention is a preferable method to avoid these infections. Once identified as Cronobacter infection, appropriate antibiotic treatment should be started.
