Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium that is known to cause Far East scarlet-like fever in humans. It is a member of the Yersinia genus, which also includes Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague.

Characteristics

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is aerobic and facultative anaerobic, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It is also motile at temperatures below 30°C due to the presence of peritrichous flagella.

Pathogenesis

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is capable of invading the intestinal epithelium, causing inflammation and disease. It produces several virulence factors, including Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) that inhibit phagocytosis and disrupt the immune response.

Disease

Infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis can lead to a variety of diseases, including mesenteric lymphadenitis, which mimics appendicitis, and Far East scarlet-like fever, a disease that resembles scarlet fever.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection is typically made by isolating the bacterium from a patient's stool or blood. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, or fluoroquinolones.

Epidemiology

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is found worldwide, but is most common in temperate and cold climates. It is often found in animals, including pigs, cattle, and birds, and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food or water.

Prevention

Prevention of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection involves proper food handling and cooking, as well as good personal hygiene.

See Also

• Yersinia enterocolitica
• Yersinia pestis
• Far East scarlet-like fever
• Mesenteric lymphadenitis

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  Yersinia pestis scanned with electron micrograph
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  Yersinia pseudotuberculosis