Yersinia enterocolitica: overview and epidemiologic correlates

Yersinia enterocolitica comprises both pathogenic and nonpathogenic members . Distinguished by biogrouping, serogrouping, and ecological distribution, commonly occurring pathogenic serobiogroups, e.g., O:3/4; O:5,27/2; O:8/1b; O:9/2, possess both chromosomal and plasmid-mediated virulence traits. Stu dies have revealed several (oral, blood transfusion) modes of acquisition, elucidated the putative role of chromosomal and plasmid-encoded virulence f actors in the pathogenesis of human infection, and have identified major an imal reservoirs, e.g., the pig. Diagnosis has been refined though use of se lective media, monoclonal antibodies directed against outer membrane protei ns, and of purified yersiniae outer membrane proteins for antibody detectio n. Epidemiological investigations of foodborne outbreaks have been advanced through the use of molecular biology techniques such as ribotyping and pul sed-field gel electrophoresis. (C) Elsevier, Paris.