Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

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
Toxin vázaný v buňce je však odlišný od morového toxinu. Virulentní kmeny mohou vyvolat septikemickou formu podobnou moru zejména u jedinců s oslabenou imunitou. O mnoho častěji se vyskytují postižení gastrointestinálního traktu jako jsou akutní a chronické apendicitis, postižení mezenteriálních lymfatických uzlin, gastroenteritidy. Infekce Y. pseudotuberculosis byly zaznamenány po celém světě. Tyto infekce se vyskytují méně často než infekce Yersinia enterocolitica. Většina infekcí je sporadických a vyskytuje se vzácně, příkladem může být výskyt ve Finsku a Japonsku.

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.

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