Lab M launches new Cronobacter sakazakii isolation medium

Lab M has announced the launch of a new Cronobacter sakazakii isolation medium (CSIM), for use in the testing of infant milk products.

Part of its growing Pinnacle range of pre-prepared agar plates, the new CSIM is based on the established Harlequin CSIM, which is currently recommended as part of established protocol for the isolation of Enterobacter sakazakii from milk and milk products.

Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic pathogen that is common in the environment. Its ability to survive desiccation means it presents a significant risk for post-pasteurisation contamination and survival in spray-dried milk products.

Though it rarely causes infections in immunocompetent adults, it has been implicated in sepsis, meningitis and necrotising enterocolitis in young infants.

Lab M said: "The combination of sodium desoxycholate, crystal violet and elevated incubation temperature produce a very selective and specific medium."

Pinnacle products are prepared under a stringent quality management system and leverage the firm's proven expertise in developing and manufacturing microbiological culture media.