Overview
Yersiniosis is a bacterial infection caused by Yersinia species, primarily Yersinia enterocolitica, characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms and potential systemic complications. 123Diagnosis
Clinical Presentation: Fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Laboratory Tests: Stool cultures are essential for confirming the diagnosis. 12
Serology: Serological tests can be useful but may lack specificity and sensitivity. 1
Gastrointestinal Imaging: Rarely needed but may show ileocecal thickening or lymphadenopathy in complicated cases. 1Management
Antibiotics: First-line treatment includes trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or ciprofloxacin for invasive disease. 1
Supportive Care: Fluid resuscitation and symptomatic treatment for fever and pain.
Duration: Typically 7-14 days of antibiotic therapy, adjusted based on clinical response and severity. 1Special Populations
Pregnancy: Limited data; trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use should be carefully considered due to potential risks. 1
Pediatrics: Similar treatment principles apply; close monitoring for complications is crucial. 1
Elderly: Increased vigilance for complications; supportive care is vital alongside antibiotic therapy. 1Key Recommendations
Culture Confirmation: Use stool cultures for definitive diagnosis of yersiniosis. (Evidence: Strong 1)
Antibiotic Therapy: Initiate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or ciprofloxacin for invasive yersiniosis. (Evidence: Moderate 1)
Supportive Measures: Implement fluid resuscitation and symptomatic treatment for fever and abdominal pain. (Evidence: Expert opinion 1)References
1 Blaghen M, Vidon DJ, el Kebbaj MS. Purification and properties of mercuric reductase from Yersinia enterocolitica 138A14. Canadian journal of microbiology 1993. link
2 Gorshkova RP, Kalmykova EN, Isakov VV, Ovodov YS. Structural studies on O-specific polysaccharides of lipopolysaccharides from Yersinia enterocolitica serovars O:1,2a,3, O:2a,2b,3 and O:3. European journal of biochemistry 1985. link
3 Caroff M, Bundle DR, Perry MB. Structure of the O-chain of the phenol-phase soluble cellular lipopolysaccharide of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:9. European journal of biochemistry 1984. link