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First isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8 in Japan
H Ichinohe1, M Yoshioka, H Fukushima
1Serious Diseases Institute, Kosei Hospital, Aomori, Japan.
Abstract:
A 4-year-old Japanese boy was infected with Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8, H:befiv, biotype 1B, phage type Xz, restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA type B, restriction endonuclease analysis of chromosomal DNA type 8. He presented with acute gastroenteritis with elevated body temperature (40 degrees C), rigor, and shivers. The diagnosis was septicemia. This is apparently the first report of this serotype from a human infection outside North America.
Insights
A rare Yersinia enterocolitica serotype (O:8) caused severe septicemia in a Japanese child. This case marks the first reported human infection with this specific serotype outside North America.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica is a bacterial pathogen causing gastrointestinal illness.
- Specific serotypes and biotypes are associated with varying degrees of virulence and geographic distribution.
- Human infections with Yersinia enterocolitica are typically associated with strains originating from North America.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of human infection caused by Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8.
- To document the clinical presentation and microbiological characteristics of this infection.
- To highlight the emergence of this serotype in a new geographic region.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case presentation of a 4-year-old Japanese boy.
- Identification of Yersinia enterocolitica with detailed serotyping (O:8, H:befiv), biotyping (1B), phage typing (Xz), and DNA analysis (plasmid type B, chromosomal DNA type 8).
- Diagnosis of septicemia based on clinical symptoms and laboratory findings.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with acute gastroenteritis, high fever (40°C), rigor, and shivers.
- The causative agent was identified as Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8, biotype 1B, phage type Xz.
- This represents the first documented human infection with Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8 originating from outside North America.
Conclusions:
- Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8 can cause severe human infections, including septicemia.
- The geographic range of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8 human infections may be expanding.
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive microbiological characterization in identifying emerging infectious disease threats.