Yersinia enterocolitica infections and chronic connective tissue diseases

The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate a possible relationship between infection with Yersinia enterocolitica and chronic connective tissue diseases. 258 patients with a positive faeces culture in the years 1972-75 were examined in 1978 with regard to the presence of chronic connective tissue diseases. The investigation, which was carried out primarily by a questionnaire followed up by a clinical examination of "the questionnaire-positive" patients, did not reveal any causative relationship between earlier Y. enterocolitica infections and chronic connective tissue diseases.