Association of Yersinia Infection With Kawasaki Disease: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Yersinia infection is known to present with Kawasaki disease (KD)-like symptoms although differentiating the 2 has been a challenge. The present study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and prevalence of Yersinia infection presenting with KD-like symptoms.

The present, prospective, multicenter study enrolled patients who received a diagnosis of KD between January 2021 and January 2022 at 2 hospitals in Tokyo. Stool samples were collected within 3 days of the start of KD treatment, and cultures were performed for Yersinia . Clinical history and symptoms suggestive of Yersinia infection were also evaluated.

During the study period, 141 KD patients were screened and 117 patients with evaluable stool samples were registered. Only 1 patient was positive for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis , which was detected from both stool and blood cultures. The patient was refractory to KD treatment but improved after initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Routine screening for Yersinia is not appropriate for patients with KD and should be limited to certain patients in high-risk areas and those who are refractory to the standard KD treatment.