A total of 100 samples of Domiati and Kareish cheese were randomly collected and
examined for the detection of Cronobacter species. Detection was performed using
Cronobacter Screening Broth (CSB), Chromogenic Cronobacter Isolation Agar
(mDFI) followed by biochemical testing. Cronobacter species were isolated from
8% of total samples. Cronobacter sakazakii was isolated from both Kareish and
Domiati cheeses, while, Cronobacter malonaticus and Cronobacter turicensis were
isolated only from Kareish cheese. The identified isolates of Cronobacter sakazakii
were further tested by real time PCR. The results indicate that Kareish and Domiati
cheeses represent risk for humans and further attention should be paid for
manufacturing and handling of such cheeses.