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Summary
A pediatric case highlights Yersinia enterocolitica as a cause of inflammatory colitis. Early suspicion is crucial for diagnosing this infectious colitis, often mistaken for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Investigating acute febrile diarrhea in children.
- Differentiating inflammatory colitis from other pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
- Challenges in identifying bacterial pathogens in pediatric diarrhea.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old presented with acute febrile, non-bloody diarrhea and inflammatory colitis on sigmoidoscopy and radiography.
- Initial stool and blood cultures were negative for common bacterial pathogens.
- Diagnostic perseverance led to a positive stool culture for Yersinia enterocolitica.
Findings:
- Confirmed diagnosis of infectious colitis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica.
- Serologic studies and clinical course supported the Yersinia enterocolitica diagnosis.
- Radiographic findings mimicked inflammatory bowel disease.
Implications:
- Yersinia enterocolitica should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric inflammatory colitis.
- Highlights the importance of considering Yersinia in radiographic differentials for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Emphasizes the need for diagnostic consideration of Yersinia enterocolitica in intractable childhood diarrhea.