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[Diagnosis o Yersinia enterocolitica infections: a review on classical identification techniques and new molecular
H Neubauer1, L D Sprague, H Scholz
1Institut für Mikrobiologie, Sanitätsakademie der Bundeswehr, Neuherbergstrasse 11, D-80937 München, Germany.
Abstract:
Only three of the eleven species of the genus Yersinia are associated with disease. Y. pestis is the causative agent of plague, Y. pseudotuberculosis and several pathogenic bio/serovars of the species Y. enterocolitica cause yersiniosis. New Y. enterocolitica subspecies with diagnostic relevance have been proposed allowing the differentiation of European and American isolates. The ISO-standard (ISO 102739) summarizes the knowledge gained from enrichment and isolation of Y. enterocolitica from food and feed samples. The final biochemical identification must be carried out by classical tube testing, as commercially available test-systems are not sensitive and specific. For the assessment of the presumptive pathogenicity of a Y. enterocolitica isolate empiric virulence markers can be replaced by PCR assays targeting plasmoidal or chromosomal genes. Their evaluation in terms of routine diagnostic procedures is still missing. The definite identification of Y. enterocolitica isolates can also be achieved by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Immunoblot based on plasmoidal encoded Yersinia proteins enables the serological determination of animal and human infections. The development of simple, sensitive and specific rapid identification systems applicable for the direct and indirect diagnosis for veterinary use is a challenge for the future.
Insights
Accurate identification of pathogenic Yersinia species is crucial for diagnosing yersiniosis and plague. Current diagnostic methods for Yersinia enterocolitica require improvement for routine veterinary use.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Diagnostics
- Food Safety
Background:
- Only three Yersinia species (Y. pestis, Y. pseudotuberculosis, Y. enterocolitica) cause disease.
- Yersinia enterocolitica is a significant foodborne pathogen.
- New subspecies of Y. enterocolitica aid in differentiating isolates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current diagnostic methods for Yersinia species, focusing on Y. enterocolitica.
- To highlight limitations in existing Y. enterocolitica identification techniques.
- To discuss emerging molecular and serological approaches for Yersinia diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of ISO standards for Y. enterocolitica isolation.
- Evaluation of biochemical identification limitations.
- Assessment of PCR assays for virulence markers.
- Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing for identification.
- Discussion of immunoblotting for serological diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Classical tube testing remains essential for biochemical identification of Y. enterocolitica.
- Commercially available test systems lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity.
- PCR assays offer potential for assessing pathogenicity but require further evaluation.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing provides definitive identification.
- Immunoblotting aids in serological diagnosis of infections.
Conclusions:
- Current Yersinia diagnostics, especially for Y. enterocolitica, have limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
- Molecular methods like PCR and gene sequencing show promise for improved identification.
- Development of rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic systems for veterinary use is a future challenge.