Isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica from swine

Data pertaining to 20 strains of Yensinia enterocolitica isolated from the cecal content of swine slaughtered at Toronto Abattoirs are presented. Fifteen of 20 cultures belonged to the two predominant human serotypes in Ontario (i.e., serotype O:3 and O:5,27.) Seven cultures of Y. enterocolitica O:3 belonged to the "Canadian" human phage type 9b. These findings are further proof that swine are reservoirs for Y. enterocolitica human infection. Seventeen Y. enterocolitica cultures were isolated by the cold enrichment method only. Difficulties encountered in isolating Y. enterocolitica from feces specimens are discussed. It would appear that the reported rate of Y. enterocolitica isolation from feces specimens is far below the actual incidence. Fourteen isolates of Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III were isolated during the same survey.