Yersinia Enterocolitica and Animals
The major animal reservoir for
Yersinia enterocolitica strains that cause human illness is pigs. Other animals that
Yersinia enterocolitica can be found in include:
- Rodents
- Rabbits
- Horses
- Sheep
- Cattle
- Dogs
- Cats.
Transmission of Yersinia Enterocolitica
The preparation of raw pork intestines (called chitterlings) may be particularly risky. Infants can be infected if their caretakers handle raw chitterlings, and then do not adequately clean their hands before handling the infant or the infant's toys, bottles, or pacifiers. Drinking contaminated, unpasteurized milk or untreated water can also cause
yersiniosis.
Occasionally, Yersinia enterocolitica transmission occurs after contact with infected animals. On rare occasions, Yersinia enterocolitica infection is a result of the bacterium passing from the stools or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person. This may happen when basic hygiene and handwashing habits are inadequate. In very rare cases, Yersinia enterocolitica infection occurs through a blood transfusion that contains contaminated blood.
Incubation Period for Yersinia Enterocolitica
When a person becomes infected with Yersinia enterocolitica, the bacteria begin to multiply. After four to seven days, Yersinia enterocolitica symptoms can begin. The period between becoming infected and the start of Yersinia enterocolitica symptoms is called the Yersinia enterocolitica incubation period.
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