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Microbiology of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

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GRAPHICS

INTRODUCTION

Yersinia spp. are gram-negative bacilli, which colonize a variety of vertebrate hosts and are only incidentally pathogens for humans. Only three of the eleven Yersinia species are generally considered pathogenic for humans: Yersinia pestis (the causative agent of plague), Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and Yersinia enterocolitica (the cause of yersiniosis) [1].

Although Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica were identified as human pathogens early in the 1900s; their significance as causes of human disease was not appreciated until much more recently. Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica appear to be more commonly associated with human disease in Europe (particularly northern parts of the continent) than elsewhere [2].

There are two possible explanations for this apparent regional predominance:

  • More widespread appreciation by clinicians and microbiologists in this part of the world
  • More frequent exposure to environmental sources, particularly pork products.

The source of infection, microbiology, virulence factors, and laboratory isolation of Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica will be reviewed here. The epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these infections and issues related to plague are discussed separately (see "Epidemiology of Yersinia enterocolitica infection (yersiniosis)" and "Clinical features and diagnosis of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection" and "Treatment and prevention of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection" and "Microbiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of plague (Yersinia pestis infection)" and "Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of plague (Yersinia pestis infection)".
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