Cronobacter sakazakii characterization and analysis of cytotoxicity in microvascular endothelial cells

Contamination of powdered infant formulas by the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii can pose serious risk to infants and neonates who consume the formula and subsequently develop C. sakazakii related illnesses such as sepsis and meningitis (1). The Gibbs' lab assesses C. sakazakii isolates' ability to cross the blood brain barrier and cause meningitis. This thesis research investigated C. sakazakii cytotoxicity towards microvascular endothelial cells which comprise the first cell line encountered in the barrier. Understanding the mechanisms used to affect these cells will contribute to our understanding of early stages of invasion. Cytotoxicity assays performed for this research found that the cell line used could not sustain confluency when co-cultured with C. sakazakii isolates over periods beyond 24 hours of incubation. In addition, cell-free cytotoxicity assays found that live cells are not necessary to cause damage suggesting a toxin mediated effect.