Source trace of Enterobacter sakazakii infection in an infant with repeated diarrhea

Objective To detect and trace the pathogen causing repeated diarrhea in a 4-month-old infant and provide evidence for the treatment and prevention of related foodborne illness. Methods According to the epidemiological data, 4 stool samples were collected from the infant, the milk powder, rice flour and utensils for the infant were sampled, and environmental samples were collected too for the purpose to conduct pathogen isolation. Drug susceptibility test and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis(PFGE)were conducted for the pathogens isolated. Antibiotic was used according to the result of drug susceptibility test. Results Four strains of Enterobacter sakazakii were isolated from 3 stool samples of the infant and a smear sample of desktop for feeding bottle. Four strains shared the same PFGE pattern. After the treatment with effective antibiotic, the infant recovered. Conclusion E. sakazakii can cause infection through environment contact. Rapid and accurate diagnosis and timely effective antibiotic use are essential in the treatment of E. sakazakii infection.