Comparison between Preterm versus Full Term Septic Neonates Whose Feeding Is Powdered Milk Formula Regarding Cronabacter Sakazakii

Abstract

Background: Foodborne pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii (CS) has been detected around the world. When it comes to foodborne bacteria, C. difficile (CS) is one of the most prevalent diseases, particularly among infants with low birth weight and preterm neonates.

Objective: To compare between the incidence of Cronobacter Sakazakii infection among preterm versus full term septic neonates whose feeding is powdered milk formula.

Patients and Methods: Our study was a comparative cross-sectional study and included 50 neonates: 25 full term and 25 premature. It was conducted at Pediatrics Department, Zagazig University Hospital and the patients’ status fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Medical history, clinical examination, and laboratory tests were performed on all patients. Collection of specimens and culture and sensitivity tests for the isolates were also done.

Results: There was significant increase of prevalence of Cronobacter sakazakii in preterm more than full term. The sepsis score and its associated characteristics varied significantly between the two groups. With time, increasing temperature led to reduce number of C. sakazakii in reconstituted infant powdered milk

Conclusion: Powdered infant formula (PIF) can be contaminated with C. sakazakii, which can cause sickness in infants who are fed PIF rather than breast milk, and in preterm infants rather than full-term ones.