Human isolates of Cronobacter sakazakii bind efficiently to intestinal epithelial cells in vitro to induce monolayer permeability and apoptosis

摘要

BackgroundCronobacter sakazakii (CS) is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in infants. This pathogen has been implicated in the outbreaks of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with associated rates of high mortality and morbidity. In this study, we compared the abilities of CS strains isolated from human and environmental sources to bind to intestinal epithelial cells and trigger apoptosis.