Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis colonies on MacConkey-Agar (MAC) agar, showing a negative result for lactose fermentation.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a G−, facultatively anaerobic, pleomorphic rod capable of moving at lower temperatures. It is widespread cosmopolitanly. Alimentary, orofecal transmission from infected animals or food. Diseases are associated with gastrointestinal problems, fever, diarrhea. The best prevention is personal hygiene and avoiding contact with infected animals.

Morphology

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis je G−, pleomorphic rod. It is able to move at lower temperatures. This organism was described in 1889 as a disease of Guinea pigs. However, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis has emerged as the ancestor of Yersinia pestis, which was the cause of pandemic plague during the years 541-767.

You can find more information on the page Yersinia pestis.

Epidemiology

It is undemanding to cultivation, it is cultivated on common soils. It is widespread cosmopolitanly and has been isolated from several animal species such as cats, dogs, pigs, monkeys, and more. Y. pseudotuberculosis is widespread in the environment (feces, water), where it can survive for a long time. The environment itself is contaminated with the faeces of infected animals, especially rodents and birds. In addition to animals, it was also found in water, both in rivers and in alpine streams.

Antigenic structure

We can distinguish 5 serotypes according to somatic antigen.

Pathogenicity and virulence

The toxin bound in the cell is different from the plague toxin. Virulent strands can cause the septicemic form akin to the plague especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Gastrointestinal tract diseases such as acute and chronic appendicitis, gastroenteritis, or disorders of mesenteric lymph nodes occur much more often. Infections with Y. pseudotuberculosis were reported all around the world. These infections happen less frequently than infections by Yersinia enterocolitica. Most of the infections are sporadic and arise rarely, e.g., outbreaks in Finland and Japan.

Clinical manifestations

The disease manifests itself in humans with fever, rashes, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis has been associated with Kawasaki disease.

Diagnostics

Laboratory tests are obtained from stool, urine, or blood tests for bacterial antibodies. Serotyping of an isolated strain. Antibiotics are used for treatment. We must not forget that the patient may be dehydrated due to fever and diarrhea. Rehydration of the patient is necessary.

Links

Related articles

• Plague
• Microbiology repetitorium

References

• BEDNÁŘ, Marek – SOUČEK, Andrej – FRAŇKOVÁ, Věra. Lékařská mikrobiologie : Bakteriologie, virologie, parazitologie.. 1. edition. 1999. . ISBN 8023802976.

• JULÁK, Jaroslav. Úvod do lékařské bakteriologie. 1. edition. 2006. ISBN 8024612704.