In this study, the role of major virulence factors in the pathogenic process of Cronobacter, including enterotoxin, outer membrane protein, gene Inv, and key enzyme RpfF were reviewed. Furthermore, the pathogenic mechanism was summarized from the following aspects, i. e. the adhesion of bacterial hair, the absorption ability of iron by Cronobacter, the utilization of sialic acid, the effects of biofilm on the protection, and the adhesion of Cronobacter, the effect of efflux system on the viability of Cronobacter in host gastrointestinal tract and desiccation resistance.