Biofilm formation and low pH viability of Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii) isolated from powdered infant formula and infant foods in Korea

Sun Ae Kim, Yu Mi Lee, Se Wook Oh, Hyo Sun Gwak, In Gyun Hwang, Dong Hyun Kang, Gun Jo Woo, Min Suk Rhee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigated biofilm formation in various media, growth in low pH, and the hemolytic activity of 14 strains of Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii) isolated from a variety of foods including powdered infant formula (n=75), infant cereal (n=100), honey (n=30), and other infant foods (n=100) in Korea. The Cronobacter spp. adhered and formed biofilms on polyethylene, and a greater extent of biofilm was observed in nutrient-rich media. No clear difference in biofilm-forming ability was noted among the media constituents and the pattern of biofilm formation was strain-dependent. Seven strains out of 14 strains (50%) grew at pH 4.1, indicating that the acid resistance of these Cronobacter spp. isolated in Korea was relatively low. Hemolytic activity was not observed in any of the strains. This study provides basic information for the physiological and biochemical characteristics of Cronobacter spp. isolated from a variety of infant foods in Korea.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)702-708
Number of pages7
JournalKorean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources
Volume29
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2009

Keywords

  • Biofilm
  • Cronobacter spp
  • Hemolysis
  • Low ph

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Biofilm formation and low pH viability of Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii) isolated from powdered infant formula and infant foods in Korea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this