Detection of Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) from medicinal plants and spices in Syria

Mouhammad Belal; Ayman Al-Mariri; Lila Hallab; Ibtesam Hamad

doi:10.3855/jidc.2222

Detection of Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) from medicinal plants and spices in Syria

Authors

Mouhammad Belal Plant Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Damascus, Syria
Ayman Al-Mariri Atomic Energy Commission of Syria
Lila Hallab Atomic Energy Commission of Syria
Ibtesam Hamad Ecology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Damascus, Syria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.2222

Keywords:

biochemical reaction, Cronobacter spp., herbs, PCR, spices, temperature

Abstract

Introduction: Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) is an emerging food-borne pathogen that causes severe meningitis, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates and infants. These infections have been reported from different parts of the world. The epidemiology and reservoir of Cronobacter spp. are still unknown, and most strains have been isolated from clinical specimens and from a variety of foods, including cheese, meat, milk, vegetables, grains, spices, and herbs.

Methodology: Our study aimed to detect and isolate Cronobacter spp. from different Syrian samples of spices, medicinal herbs and liquorices, depending on the pigment production and biochemical profile of isolates and PCR technique. This PCR method, which provides a powerful tool for rapid, specific, and sensitive detection of Cronobacter spp., is considered a reliable alternative to traditional bacteriological methods.

Results and conclusions: This study revealed that the percentage of Cronobacter spp. was 94%, 52%, and 32% in liquorice, spices and medicinal herbs, respectively. In addition, it assured that the optimal enhancing growth temperature was 44°C, and optimal enhancing growth pH was 5.

Author Biographies

Mouhammad Belal, Plant Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Damascus, Syria

Master student at Plant Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Damascus

Ayman Al-Mariri, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria

Researcher at Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Atomic Energy Commission

Lila Hallab, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria

Physician at Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Atomic Energy Commission

Ibtesam Hamad, Ecology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Damascus, Syria

Professor Ecology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Damascus

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Published

2013-02-15

How to Cite

Belal M, Al-Mariri A, Hallab L, Hamad I (2013) Detection of Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) from medicinal plants and spices in Syria. J Infect Dev Ctries 7:082–089. doi: 10.3855/jidc.2222

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Issue

Vol. 7 No. 02: February 2013

Section

Original Articles

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