The name behind the strain: Cronobacter sakazakii

Following Francois Bourdichon’s request, here is the super-interesting story of Cronobacter sakazakii.

This bacteria was first isolated in 1961.

Initially, it was named “yellow-pigmented Enterobacter cloacae“ within the genus Enterobacter.

It was not until 1980 that the strain was named Enterobacter sakazakii, in honor of the Japanese microbiologist Riichi Sakazaki.

In 2007, DNA-based phylogenetic analyses showed that Enterobacter sakazakii should not be included in the genus Enterobacter.

Consequently, the genus Cronobacter, was created.

Do you know why it was called Cronobacter ? Spoiler : It is a sad story !

Titan kronos eating children. It gives the name to Cronobacter, because this bacteria kills children. — Cronos eating one of his children.

This name was given in reference to a character from Greek mythology, Cronos (Kronos). Cronos used to eat his children at birth… symbolizing the fact that this bacterium is a very aggressive pathogen for young children.

We told you it was a sad story !

Cronobacter sakazakii is now one species among the others of the genus. The ISO Standard (ISO 22964) is now for the detection of Cronobacter spp. (all species are considered to be pathogenic)

What strain do you want next?