This is a scanning electron micrograph of Yersinia enterocolitica. Y enterocolitica belongs to a family of rod-shaped bacteria


This is a scanning electron micrograph of Yersinia enterocolitica. Y enterocolitica belongs to a family of rod-shaped bacteria. It is a bacteria living in the soil, water, animals, and in various foods. They are the causative agent of one kind of colitis, where the infection may be mediated by refrigerated foods. Infection is most often acquired by eating contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked pork products. Occasionally Y. enterocolitica infection occurs after contact with infected animals. Infection with Y. enterocolitica can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the age of the person infected. Infection with Y. enterocolitica occurs most often in young children. Common symptoms in children are fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Symptoms typically develop 4 to 7 days after exposure and may last 1 to 3 weeks or longer. In older children and adults, right-sided abdominal pain and fever may be the predominant symptoms, and may be confused with appendicitis. In a small proportion of cases, complications such as skin rash, joint pains, or spread of bacteria to the bloodstream can occur.


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Photo credit: © Mediscan / Alamy / Afripics
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