Chapter 10 : Enterobacter sakazakii—Personal Perspectives and Reminiscences from a 32-Year History†

Abstract:

The first definitive description of neonatal meningitis due to “yellow-pigmented Enterobacter cloacae” was in 1961, and it was followed 4 years later by a similar description. Biogroup 15 was the most distinct and had four distinguishing characteristics. It also was the only biogroup that fermented a-methyl-D-glucoside. At the time, it was suspected that Enterobacter sakazakii really was a new genus with at least two species. However, as there was a wait in the laboratory to do another round of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments, the original paper in 1980a had to go with the hybridization data for only five E. sakazakii strains. The paper of 1980a and the publications it cited gave several early insights on human infections and the epidemiology and ecology of hospital infections. The need for a foundation to further research of E. sakazakii came from several recent discussions and events. Input on the foundation’s mission will be solicited from the public, industry, physicians, microbiologists, other scientists, government and regulatory agencies, and from anyone else who wishes to give input.