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Published on: July 31, 2021
Yersiniosis in New Zealand
Lucia Rivas1, Hugo Strydom2, Shevaun Paine3
1Christchurch Science Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Ilam, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
Abstract:
The rate of yersiniosis in New Zealand (NZ) is high compared with other developed countries, and rates have been increasing over recent years. Typically, >99% of human cases in NZ are attributed to Yersinia enterocolitica (YE), although in 2014, a large outbreak of 220 cases was caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Up until 2012, the most common NZ strain was YE biotype 4. The emergent strain since this time is YE biotype 2/3 serotype O:9. The pathogenic potential of some YE biotypes remains unclear. Most human cases of yersiniosis are considered sporadic without an identifiable source. Key restrictions in previous investigations included insufficient sensitivity for the isolation of Yersinia spp. from foods, although foodborne transmission is the most likely route of infection. In NZ, YE has been isolated from a variety of sick and healthy domestic and farm animals but the pathways from zoonotic reservoir to human remain unproven. Whole-genome sequencing provides unprecedented discriminatory power for typing Yersinia and is now being applied to NZ epidemiological investigations. A "One-Health" approach is necessary to elucidate the routes of transmission of Yersinia and consequently inform targeted interventions for the prevention and management of yersiniosis in NZ.
Insights
New Zealand has a high rate of yersiniosis, primarily caused by Yersinia enterocolitica (YE). Whole-genome sequencing is now used to track Yersinia strains and inform prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Yersiniosis rates in New Zealand are high and increasing, with Yersinia enterocolitica (YE) as the primary pathogen.
- An emergent YE biotype 2/3 serotype O:9 strain has become prevalent since 2012.
- Previous investigations faced limitations in detecting Yersinia in food, hindering identification of transmission routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the increasing rates of yersiniosis in New Zealand.
- To apply advanced genomic techniques for Yersinia typing and epidemiological analysis.
- To understand the transmission pathways of Yersinia from animal reservoirs to humans.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing whole-genome sequencing for high-resolution typing of Yersinia strains.
- Analyzing epidemiological data to track yersiniosis cases and identify trends.
- Adopting a "One Health" approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives.
Main Results:
- Identification of an emergent Yersinia enterocolitica (YE) biotype 2/3 serotype O:9 strain.
- Demonstration of whole-genome sequencing's utility in Yersinia strain typing for epidemiological investigations.
- Confirmation of YE presence in various domestic and farm animals in New Zealand.
Conclusions:
- A "One Health" approach is crucial for understanding Yersinia transmission.
- Targeted interventions are needed for yersiniosis prevention and management in New Zealand.
- Further research is required to elucidate the pathogenic potential of different YE biotypes.
