Title

Identification of the Molecular Mechanisms Governing the Osmotolerance of the Emerging Gastrointestinal Pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii

Author

Audrey Feeney, Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland.

Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Doctoral Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Roy Sleator

Abstract

Cronobacter sakazakii is an organism which has been associated with severe life- threatening diseases in infants and neonates. Mortality rates of up to 80% have been recorded in infants infected with Cronobacter sakazakii. Infants often suffer from septicaemia, necrotising enterocolitis and meningitis as a result of infection. A characteristic feature of the opportunistic foodborne pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii is its ability to survive in extremely arid environments such as powdered infant formula, making it a dangerous opportunistic pathogen of neonates. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the pathogen; clinical manifestations, environmental reservoirs and our current understanding of stress response mechanisms and virulence factors which allow it to cause disease.

Recommended Citation

Feeney, Audrey, "Identification of the Molecular Mechanisms Governing the Osmotolerance of the Emerging Gastrointestinal Pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii" (2015). Theses [online].
Available at: https://sword.cit.ie/allthe/486

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess