Summary about Disease
Yersinia enterocolitica infection is a bacterial illness that primarily causes gastrointestinal symptoms. It is often associated with the consumption of contaminated food, particularly pork products. The infection can range from mild to severe, and while generally self-limiting, complications can occur.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Diarrhea (often bloody)
Abdominal pain (especially in the lower right side, mimicking appendicitis)
Fever
Vomiting
Sore throat
In children, symptoms may include fever and diarrhea.
In older children and adults, symptoms may include right-sided abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea.
Causes
Yersinia enterocolitica infection is caused by the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica. Transmission typically occurs through:
Contaminated food: Especially raw or undercooked pork products, milk, and water.
Direct contact: Handling infected animals (e.g., pigs).
Person-to-person: Though less common, fecal-oral transmission is possible.
Medicine Used
Treatment for Yersinia enterocolitica infection depends on the severity of the illness.
Mild Cases: Often resolve on their own with supportive care (hydration, rest).
Severe Cases: Antibiotics may be prescribed. Commonly used antibiotics include:
Doxycycline
Ciprofloxacin
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin)
Is Communicable
Yes, Yersinia enterocolitica infection can be communicable, though it's not highly contagious. Person-to-person transmission is possible, particularly through fecal-oral routes, but it is less common than transmission through contaminated food.
Precautions
To prevent Yersinia enterocolitica infection:
Cook food thoroughly: Especially pork products, to an internal temperature that kills bacteria.
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after handling raw meat or using the restroom.
Avoid unpasteurized milk and untreated water.
Prevent cross-contamination: Keep raw meat separate from other foods.
Wash cutting boards and utensils: After contact with raw meat.
If sick, stay home: To prevent spreading the infection to others.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an outbreak can vary depending on the source and control measures implemented. Individual infections typically last from 1 to 3 weeks. Outbreaks can persist for weeks or months if the source of contamination is not identified and eliminated.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Stool Culture: The most common method, where a stool sample is tested for the presence of Yersinia enterocolitica.
Blood Culture: May be used if the infection has spread to the bloodstream.
Medical History and Physical Exam: To evaluate symptoms and potential risk factors.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation Period: Typically 3 to 7 days after exposure.
Initial Symptoms: Abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting usually start within a week of exposure.
Duration of Symptoms: Symptoms generally last 1 to 3 weeks.
Post-Infectious Complications (Rare): Reactive arthritis or erythema nodosum can occur weeks to months after the initial infection.
Important Considerations
Pseudoappendicitis: Yersinia infection can mimic appendicitis, especially in older children and young adults, leading to unnecessary surgery.
Reactive Arthritis: A possible complication, characterized by joint pain and swelling, often occurring weeks after the initial infection.
Erythema Nodosum: Another potential complication, characterized by painful, red nodules on the skin, most commonly on the shins.
Iron Overload: Yersinia bacteria grow better in the presence of iron, so iron supplements should be avoided during infection unless medically necessary.