ABSTRACT
Infections due to Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis have been referred to as yersiniosis. Y. enterocolitica is the etiological agent of a range of clinical entities in human patients, although acute noncomplicated enteritis is by far the most frequent manifestation. Y. enterocolitica has been isolated from human patients in many countries of the world, but it seems to be found most frequently in cooler climates. Y. enterocolitica is frequently encountered in healthy carriers among warm-blooded and coldblooded animals, in foods, including both meat and milk products and vegetables, and in the environment, including water and soil. Epidemiological studies have supported the role of pork as a vehicle for Y. enterocolitica infection. Y. enterocolitica is associated with a spectrum of clinical syndromes in human patients. Y. enterocolitica strains are usually susceptible in vitro to tetracycline, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, and quinolones. Most strains are resistant to penicillins and to first-generation cephalosporins.
