Yersiniosis

„Refrigerator diseases“ – we are identifying more and more cases of yersiniosis.

Yersiniosis – an infectious disease caused by Y. Enterocolitica, Y. Pestis, and Y. Pseudotuberculosis bacteria. Infection occurs after consuming contaminated vegetables, meat products, as the carriers of bacteria can be dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, and especially rodents (mice, rats). Bacteria multiply at temperatures between +5°C and 25°C.

Incubation period – from 15 hours to 4 days.

The manifestation of disease symptoms depends on the resistance of the individual's body, the dose of infection, the pathogenicity of the pathogens, and the patient's age. In young children, the disease usually manifests as fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, often with blood in the stool. These symptoms generally last 4 – 7 days, sometimes up to 3 weeks. In older children and adults, the dominant symptoms may only be fever and abdominal pain, often simulating appendicitis.

Symptoms of yersiniosis:

• stomach and intestinal pain;
• temperature can rise to 38-39°C and higher;
• pain in the right lower abdomen (often suspected appendicitis, in women – inflammation of the right ovary);
• frequent (porridge-like) stool;
• rash, manifesting as red, itchy pimples, appearing only on the limbs and trunk area;
• increased sweating, weakness may occur.

To reduce the risk of infection with yersiniosis, it is advised:

• Consume only sufficiently thermally processed animal food;
• Consume only pasteurized or boiled milk and its products;
• Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before consumption;
• Wash hands with soap before eating, after contact with animals, and raw meat;
• Thoroughly wash hands when taking care of a baby, their toys, bottles, or pacifiers;
• Avoid cross-contamination of food in the kitchen: use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other products, thoroughly clean and disinfect the kitchen environment after handling raw meat, vegetables;
• Protect soil and water sources from contamination with human and animal feces;
• Properly care for household pets and remember to wash hands after contact with them;
• Protect vegetable stocks from rodents, eliminate them.

Determination of Anti-Yersinia IgA antibodies – intended for identifying the acute phase of the disease.

Determination of Anti-Yersinia IgG antibodies – intended to identify the chronic phase of the disease, as well as to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

Complications: may appear 1-2 weeks after the onset of the disease. May complicate into polyarthritis (large joints affected), Reiter's syndrome, infectious – allergic myocarditis.