Terminal ileitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis and appendicitis due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type VA: case report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen.
• Human infections typically present with gastrointestinal symptoms, mimicking other conditions.
• Specific serotypes may exhibit distinct clinical manifestations and geographic distributions.

Observation:

• A patient presented with chronic terminal ileitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, and appendicitis.
• Serological testing confirmed infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type VA.
• The chronic nature of the illness necessitated surgical intervention, including resection of the terminal ileum.

Findings:

• Histological examination of the appendix and mesenteric lymph nodes revealed granulomas with central necrosis.
• This case represents the first documented human infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis subtype VA.
• The findings highlight the potential for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to cause severe, chronic gastrointestinal pathology.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis-associated gastrointestinal diseases.
• Identification of subtype VA in humans warrants further epidemiological investigation.
• Understanding the pathogenicity of specific Yersinia subtypes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.