Author: Gitapratiwi, D., Dewanti-Hariyadi, R. and Hidayat, S. H.
ABSTRACT
Cronobacter spp. (formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii) is an opportunistic pathogen and has been reported to cause fatal illnesses, such as meningitis and necrotizing enteritis, especially to high risk-infants through consumption of powdered infant formula (PIF). The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic relatedness of Cronobacter spp. isolated from several dried food products (PIF, weaning food and corn starch) commercially marketed in Bogor district of Indonesia. Eleven isolates were characterized using PCR assay based on their partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene to confirm the identity of the isolates. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene, it is concluded that all isolates from Indonesia were located in same cluster and had lineage under C. sakazakii ATCC 29544 and C. malonaticus. Isolates DES b7a and DES b7b which were obtained from the same package of weaning food had a very close genetic relatedness and were possibly of the same species. Similar result was also observed on isolates of YR w1 and YR w3 which were isolated from weaning food produced by a different manufacturer.