Cronobacter/Enterobacter sakazakii

What are the symptoms of Cronobacter/Enterobacter sakazakii infection in an infant?

Infants, especially those who are premature, low-birth-weight, and/or immunocompromised, are at a higher risk for contracting fatal or seriously debilitating Cronobacter/Enterobacter sakazakii (E. sakazakii) infection from powdered baby formula.

Powdered infant formula is a commercially non-sterile product which can contain the potentially lethal bacteria, Cronobacter/Enterobacter sakazakii. Signs and symptoms of an Cronobacter/Enterobacter sakazakii infection include but are not limited to:

• meningitis leading to ventriculitis (inflammation of the brain cavity)
• brain abscess
• infarction (death of brain tissue)
• cyst formation in the brain
• conjunctivitis (inflammation of the clear membrane that coats the inner aspect of the eyelids and the outer aspect of the eye)
• bulging fontanelles (soft spots)
• destruction of the frontal lobes of the brain
• seizures
• spastic quadriplegia
• hypothermia
• fever
• bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• poor feeding
• irritability
• jaundice
• grunting respirations
• instability of body temperature

If your baby has any of these signs or symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

For additional information regarding powdered baby formula and the risk of Cronobacter/Enterobacter sakazakii infection, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-948-6002. Discuss the pros and cons of formula feeding with your physician or midwife.