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Three outbreaks of yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection
M Inoue1, H Nakashima, T Ishida
1Okayama Prefectural Research Center of Environment and Public Health, Japan.
Abstract:
Three outbreaks of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection during 1982 to 1984 in Okayama Prefecture, Japan are described. In outbreak A, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis a causal organism was detected in 16 patients (serotype 5A). The latent period of the infection was 2 to 20 days estimating, from time of ingesting food suspected of being contaminated and onset of the illness. Outbreak B and C occurred in remote mountain areas. In outbreak B, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis bacilli were detected in the feces of 35 out of 276 people (serotype 4B in 34 stools, 2C and 4B in one stool). In outbreak C, 12 children became sick; one of the 4 patients whose stools were examined, showed an organism belonging to serotype 4B. The inhabitants in the area of outbreak B and C took unchlorinated mountain stream and well water for drinking. After the outbreak B and C, we examined water and wild animals fecea in these areas for the bacilli. As a result, they were detected in 3 out of 51 water samples (serotype 4A in one, 6 in 2 samples) and 2 out of 57 wild animal fecal samples (serotype 2C in 2 samples) in B area, and 4 out of 33 water samples (serotype 4A in 2, 4B in 2 samples) in C area.
Insights
Three Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreaks in Japan were linked to contaminated food and unchlorinated water. Investigations identified the bacteria in patients, water sources, and wild animal feces, highlighting potential transmission routes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections can cause outbreaks with significant public health implications.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe three Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreaks in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
- To investigate the sources and transmission routes of the infection.
Main Methods:
- Case identification and clinical data collection.
- Bacteriological examination of patient feces, water samples, and wild animal feces.
- Serotyping of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis isolates.
Main Results:
- Outbreak A involved 16 patients with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (serotype 5A); incubation period was 2-20 days.
- Outbreaks B and C affected remote areas with unchlorinated water sources. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (serotypes 4B, 2C) was detected in patients, feces, water, and wild animals.
- The bacteria were identified in 3/51 water samples and 2/57 wild animal fecal samples in outbreak B area, and 4/33 water samples in outbreak C area.
Conclusions:
- Contaminated food and unchlorinated water are likely sources for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreaks.
- Wild animals and water bodies can act as reservoirs for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
- Public health interventions should focus on water sanitation and food safety to prevent Yersinia pseudotuberculosis transmission.