Yersiniosis is the illness caused by Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria. Occasionally, the bacteria are transmitted through contact with infected animals or the soiled hands of an infected person. However, the disease is most often acquired by eating contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked pork products. In most cases, yersiniosis does not require treatment, and the diarrhea resolves on its own. Antibiotics are required in more severe cases.
Yersiniosis is an infectious disease caused by
Yersinia enterocolitica. Although
Yersinia enterocolitica are primarily found in northern Europe and North America, worldwide, 1 to 3 percent of
diarrhea illnesses are caused by these bacteria.
Understanding Yersinia Enterocolitica
Yersinia enterocolitica are Gram-negative bacteria. They were formerly classified in the
Pasteurellaceae family, but based on their similarities to
Escherichia coli (
E. coli), the
Yersinia group has been reclassified as members of the
Enterobacteriaceae family. Other bacteria in the
Yersinia family include
Yersinia pestis, which causes
plague, and
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which causes similar symptoms to
Yersinia enterocolitica.
The major animal reservoir for Yersinia enterocolitica strains that cause human illness is pigs. Other animals that can transmit the bacteria include:
- Rodents
- Rabbits
- Sheep
- Cattle
- Horses
- Dogs
- Cats.
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