Introduction: This study examined the presence of the pathogen Cronobacter spp. in powdered infant milk formulas (PIMF), and dried whole and skim milk samples distributed in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: Culture-based method, biochemical confirmation test and real-time PCR were used for detection.
Results: Cronobacter spp. was detected in 10% of PIMF and 20% of dried whole milk, but not in dried skim milk samples. Real-time PCR showed that PIMF samples generally contained higher numbers of Cronobacter spp. than dried whole milk samples. Isolates showed resistance to 9 of 10 antibiotics, being more frequently resistant to penicillin and tetracycline Both single and multidrug resistance was observed.
Conclusions: This study reports the association of antibiotic-resistant Cronobacter spp. with PIMF and dried whole milk products distributed in Saudi Arabia.
Key words: Cronobacter, antibiotic resistance, infant milk formulas, real-time PCR
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