a.
Structure
Y enterocolitica is a gram negative bacilli. It is a lactose
non-fermenter and is motile at 25 degrees Celsius.
b.
Pathobiology
Y enterocolitica can be
found in animals and humans. Incubation is typically 4-6 days. It secretes heat stable enterotoxin, which causes
diarrhea and colitis. Rarely, it can cause sepsis.
Serious gastrointestinal complications can also occur.
c.
Epidemiology
Y enterocolitica infection
most often occurs from consuming undercooked pork or unpasteurized milk. Infection is more common in Europe.
d.
Laboratory
diagnosis
Y enterocolitica is typically diagnosed through stool culture. It
should be cultured on cefsulodin-irgasan-novobiocin(CIN).
e.
Disease
manifestations
- Enterocolitis is primary manfestation
- incubation 1-10 days
- diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain
- disease can mimic acute appendicitis if it involves mesenteric lymph nodes
f. Diagnosis is made through laboratory testing.
ii.
Differential diagnosis includes other causes of
febrile gastroenteritis. In some patients pharyngitis may suggest Y enterocolitica infection.
iii.
Treatment is generally not indicated, but
fluoroquinolones may be effective.
g. Prevention can be encouraged through proper food
safety and preparation. It may also be possible to reduce the population of pigs
that carry the disease.