Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) species are found in natural environments such as water, sewage, soil, and vegetables. Some species are found in human and animal species, but they are not usually enteric pathogens, although they can be occasional opportunistic pathogens. Cronobacter sakazakii is rarely encountered in clinical specimens, and is more prevalent in the environment and in food. However, Cronobacter sakazakii is strongly implicated in foodborne diseases causing severe meningitis or enteritis, especially in neonates. C. sakazakii was isolated with varying frequency from milk powder, cereals, and other sources, indicating that it is widespread. Stationary phase C. sakazakii cells are remarkably resistant to osmotic and drying stresses compared with other species of the Enterobacteriacae. This may explain its long term survival in foods, with its resulting risk to neonates fed infant formula. Cronobacter sakazakii (strain ATCC BAA-894) was isolated from powdered milk formula associated with a neonatal intensive care unit outbreak (adapted from PMID 20221447).