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Yersinia enterocolitica infection in children

N M Abdel-Haq1, B I Asmar, W M Abuhammour

  • 1Wayne State University School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit 48201, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|October 31, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Yersinia enterocolitica causes enteritis in young children, particularly during winter. Exposure to chitterlings is a risk factor, and infants under 3 months face higher bacteremia risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Yersinia enterocolitica infection presents a spectrum from mild enteritis to severe systemic illness in children.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and clinical course of Y. enterocolitica enteritis in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, complications, and outcomes of Yersinia enterocolitica enteritis in children.
  • To identify risk factors and assess treatment efficacy for Y. enterocolitica infections in a pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of medical and microbiologic records.
  • Analysis of stool cultures positive for Y. enterocolitica over a 7-year period in a large children's hospital.
  • Evaluation of patient demographics, clinical presentations, treatment responses, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 142 pediatric cases of Y. enterocolitica enteritis were identified, with 85% of patients under 1 year old.
  • Infections peaked during November, December, and January, with chitterling exposure noted as a significant risk factor.
  • Bacteremia occurred in 9% of patients, predominantly in infants under 1 year; cefotaxime showed effectiveness in treating bacteremic cases.

Conclusions:

  • Yersinia enterocolitica is a significant cause of pediatric enteritis, especially during winter months, with chitterling exposure a key risk factor.
  • Infants under 3 months are at higher risk for developing Yersinia enterocolitica bacteremia.
  • Cefotaxime is effective for Y. enterocolitica bacteremia, but the role of oral antibiotics for enteritis requires further investigation.
Abstract

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