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Multi-locus Variable-number Tandem-repeat Analysis of the Fish-pathogenic Bacterium Yersinia ruckeri by Multiplex PCR and Capillary Electrophoresis
Published on: June 17, 2019
Multiple outbreaks of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections in Finland
Katri Jalava1, S Hallanvuo, U-M Nakari
1Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Ave., NW9 5EQ London, United Kingdom. katri.jalava@hpa.org.uk
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 9, 2004
Abstract:
During 2001, 89 culture-confirmed cases of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were reported in Finland; 55 (62%) were serotype O:1, and 34 (38%) were serotype O:3. Four major pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles were identified. A case-control study of 25 case patients and 71 healthy controls identified eating outside the home as a risk factor for infection.
Insights
In 2001, Finland reported 89 Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections, primarily serotype O:1. Eating outside the home was identified as a significant risk factor for this bacterial infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a bacterial pathogen causing pseudotuberculosis in humans and animals.
- Surveillance of Yersinia infections is crucial for public health, especially in identifying transmission routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology and molecular profiles of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections in Finland during 2001.
- To identify risk factors associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection through a case-control study.
Main Methods:
- Culture-confirmed Yersinia pseudotuberculosis cases reported in Finland in 2001 were analyzed.
- Serotyping was performed to determine the distribution of O:1 and O:3 serotypes.
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used for molecular subtyping.
- A case-control study compared 25 infected patients with 71 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- A total of 89 Yersinia pseudotuberculosis cases were reported.
- Serotype O:1 accounted for 62% of cases, and serotype O:3 for 38%.
- Four distinct PFGE profiles were identified among the isolates.
- Eating outside the home emerged as a significant risk factor (odds ratio not specified).
Conclusions:
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections in Finland in 2001 showed a predominance of serotype O:1.
- Molecular typing revealed limited diversity in circulating strains.
- Out-of-home dining represents a key environmental risk factor for acquiring Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection, highlighting the need for food safety measures.
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