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Epidemiologic investigations of Yersinia enterocolitica and related species: sources, frequency, and serogroup
M L Bissett1, C Powers, S L Abbott
1Microbial Diseases Laboratory, California Department of Health Services, Berkeley 94704.
Abstract:
During an 11-year period (1978 to 1989), over 300 strains of Yersinia spp. (excluding Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis) were recovered from a variety of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal sites in patients in California. Over the 11-year period, Y. enterocolitica serogroup O:3 predominated, although a shift in the relative frequency of this serogroup was observed during this interval, increasing dramatically during the years 1984 to 1989. Of the remaining Y. enterocolitica isolates, over 40% were identified as belonging to serogroups generally considered to be nonpathogenic, although many of these isolates were recovered in association with milder cases of gastroenteritis. The results suggest a changing and expanding spectrum of Y. enterocolitica serogroups associated with various gastrointestinal and systemic infections.
Insights
Over 300 Yersinia strains were studied from 1978-1989. Yersinia enterocolitica serogroup O:3 predominated, with increasing frequency noted from 1984-1989.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Yersinia species are significant human pathogens.
- Understanding the epidemiology of Yersinia infections is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies have focused on specific Yersinia serogroups and their clinical relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the spectrum of Yersinia species isolated from patients over an 11-year period.
- To identify trends in the prevalence of different Yersinia enterocolitica serogroups.
- To investigate the association of Yersinia isolates with clinical manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Yersinia isolates recovered from clinical specimens.
- Serogroup identification of Yersinia enterocolitica strains.
- Correlation of isolate data with patient diagnoses and infection sites.
Main Results:
- Over 300 Yersinia strains (excluding Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis) were identified between 1978 and 1989.
- Yersinia enterocolitica serogroup O:3 was the predominant serogroup.
- A significant increase in the relative frequency of Y. enterocolitica O:3 was observed from 1984 to 1989.
- Over 40% of other Y. enterocolitica isolates belonged to generally nonpathogenic serogroups, often associated with milder gastroenteritis.
Conclusions:
- The spectrum of Yersinia enterocolitica serogroups causing human infections is changing and expanding.
- Nonpathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica serogroups may play a role in gastroenteritis.
- Continued surveillance is necessary to monitor evolving Yersinia epidemiology.