What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Yersinia Infection

What is Yersiniosis (Definition/Background Information)

• Yersiniosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica. It is usually contracted by consuming contaminated food or water. Yersiniosis is a rare infection but can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems
• Yersiniosis is caused by the bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica. Individuals who consume undercooked pork or other meats, drink contaminated water, or consume raw fruits and vegetables contaminated with human or animal feces are at a higher risk of contracting the infection. Poor hygiene and sanitation conditions also increase the risk of contracting the infection
• The signs and symptoms of Yersiniosis can include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the stool. The infection can sometimes lead to a skin rash or joint pain. It is diagnosed through laboratory tests, including blood cultures and stool cultures
• The treatment of Yersiniosis is with antibiotics, such as ampicillin, tetracycline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, usually lasting 7-10 days. To prevent Yersiniosis, it is essential to practice good hygiene, avoid undercooked pork or other meats, drink clean and safe water, and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them
• Yersiniosis is usually a mild illness that resolves with proper treatment, but in some cases, the infection can lead to severe complications, such as sepsis, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, Yersiniosis can lead to a chronic condition known as Reiter’s syndrome, which can cause joint pain and eye inflammation

Who gets Yersiniosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Yersiniosis can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in young children and older adults
• Those who consume undercooked pork or other meats or drink contaminated water are at a higher risk of contracting the infection
• Worldwide, individuals of all races and ethnicities can be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Yersiniosis? (Predisposing Factors)

Factors that increase the risk of contracting the infection include:

• Eating undercooked pork or other meats
• Drinking contaminated water
• Consumption of raw fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated with human or animal feces
• Poor hygiene and sanitation

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Yersiniosis? (Etiology)

• Yersiniosis is caused by the bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica
• The bacteria are often found in pork, but it can also be found in other meats, unpasteurized milk, and untreated water

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Yersiniosis?

The signs and symptoms of Yersiniosis can include the following:

• Fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and blood in stool
• In some cases, the infection can lead to a skin rash or joint pain

How is Yersiniosis Diagnosed?

• Yersiniosis is diagnosed through laboratory tests, including blood and stool cultures

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Yersiniosis?

• Yersiniosis can lead to severe complications, such as sepsis, especially in those with weakened immune systems
• Rarely, Yersiniosis can result in a chronic condition called Reiter’s syndrome, which can cause joint pain and eye inflammation

How is Yersiniosis Treated?

• Yersiniosis is usually treated with antibiotics, such as ampicillin, tetracycline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
• The treatment course is usually for about 7-10 days

How can Yersiniosis be Prevented?

To prevent Yersiniosis, it is essential to consider the following:

• Practice good hygiene
• Avoid undercooked pork or other meats
• Drink clean and safe water
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.

What is the Prognosis of Yersiniosis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Yersiniosis is usually a mild illness that resolves with appropriate treatment
• In some individuals, the infection may result in serious complications

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Yersiniosis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/ova-and-parasites-stool-test