INFORMATION ON YERSINIA

Yersinia is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Yersiniosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium of the genus Yersinia. The infectious agent of bubonic plague; it can also cause pneumonic and septicemic plague. In the United States, most human illness is caused by one species, Y. enterocolitica. Infection with Y. enterocolitica can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the age of the person infected. Infection with Y. enterocolitica occurs most often in young children.

SYNONYMS OF YERSINIA

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Yersinia enterocolitica infection.
2. Yersiniosis.
3. Y enterocolitica.
4. Enterobacteriaceae.

CAUSES OF YERSINIA

Scientists have linked infection with Y enterocolitica to ingestion of contaminated foods, water, and milk. Contaminated foods include pork, tofu, and poultry. Transmission may occur directly from dogs, cats, and swine. Evidence does not suggest a role for an airborne route of infection or for insect vectors in the transmission of this disease. Reports of person-to-person spread are conflicting and generally are not observed in large outbreaks.

SYMPTOMS OF YERSINIA

Symptoms of Yersinia are:
1. Fever.
2. Abdominal pain.
3. Diarrhea.
4. Bloody diarrhea.
5. Adult symptoms.
6. Right-sided abdominal pain.
7. Fever.
8. Skin rash.
9. Joint pains.
10. Bacteremia.

DIAGNOSIS OF YERSINIA

Most possible diagnosis and examination is based only on the ideal symptoms discovered. It is possible to grow the organism from stool cultures, but this is difficult to do unless special methods are used. A change in antibody levels can also be used to determine the presence of infection. To be accurate, levels must be initially examined early in the illness.

TREATMENT OF YERSINIA

Patients with dehydration from gastroenteritis are given supportive therapy, including treatment aimed at replacing fluids No specific treatment is indicated for the joint, ocular, skin, or urinary symptoms that result from infection. Treatment nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injection at inflamed joints is used in selected cases.