Detection, biofilm formation and molecular identification of cronobacter sakazakii in infant-associated foods, utensils, and fecal samples in bangladesh
1
Mathematical and Natural Science, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3667
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic forborne pathogen attributed to significant concern due to its association with life-threatening neonatal conditions, containing meningitis, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis. Despite global recognition of its high desiccation resistance and biofilm formation on equipment, research in developing nations like Bangladesh remains insufficient and highly restricted to the capital city only which is Dhaka. This study addresses a critical public health gap through investigating the prevalence and molecular characteristics of indigenous Cronobacter sakazakii strains in a country with diverse socio-economic environment and local feeding practices that may facilitate unique transmission routes.
METHODS:
A total of 50 samples comprising powdered infant formula (PIF), feeding utensils used in hospitals and infant fecal samples will be collected from urban and rural regions of major districts in Bangladesh. Following ISO and DA-standardized protocols, samples undergo pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water and selective enrichment in Cronobacter Selective Broth (CSB). Isolates will be identified through chromogenic plating on DFI or ESIA agar and confirmed via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting specific virulence genes. Then biofilm-forming potential will be quantified using Crystal Violet Microtiter Assay (absorbance at 570 nm) to evaluate resilience on locally prevalent materials.
RESULTS:
The research aims to identify region-specific environmental strains and identify their genomic adaptations linked to both heat resistance and biofilm dynamics. Data analysis will classify the biofilm strengths as per their strength level establishing a correlation between sample source and pathogenic potential.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study will provide striking epidemiological data on Cronobacter sakazakii lineages circulating within the Bangladeshi food supply chain, especially dedicated to newborns contributing immensely to public health. The findings will be vital for informing localized risk assessments and developing context-sensitive intervention strategies to mitigate infant health risks in resource-limited settings.
Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic forborne pathogen attributed to significant concern due to its association with life-threatening neonatal conditions, containing meningitis, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis. Despite global recognition of its high desiccation resistance and biofilm formation on equipment, research in developing nations like Bangladesh remains insufficient and highly restricted to the capital city only which is Dhaka. This study addresses a critical public health gap through investigating the prevalence and molecular characteristics of indigenous Cronobacter sakazakii strains in a country with diverse socio-economic environment and local feeding practices that may facilitate unique transmission routes.
METHODS:
A total of 50 samples comprising powdered infant formula (PIF), feeding utensils used in hospitals and infant fecal samples will be collected from urban and rural regions of major districts in Bangladesh. Following ISO and DA-standardized protocols, samples undergo pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water and selective enrichment in Cronobacter Selective Broth (CSB). Isolates will be identified through chromogenic plating on DFI or ESIA agar and confirmed via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting specific virulence genes. Then biofilm-forming potential will be quantified using Crystal Violet Microtiter Assay (absorbance at 570 nm) to evaluate resilience on locally prevalent materials.
RESULTS:
The research aims to identify region-specific environmental strains and identify their genomic adaptations linked to both heat resistance and biofilm dynamics. Data analysis will classify the biofilm strengths as per their strength level establishing a correlation between sample source and pathogenic potential.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study will provide striking epidemiological data on Cronobacter sakazakii lineages circulating within the Bangladeshi food supply chain, especially dedicated to newborns contributing immensely to public health. The findings will be vital for informing localized risk assessments and developing context-sensitive intervention strategies to mitigate infant health risks in resource-limited settings.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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