The effect of dog and cat infections of Yersinia enterocolitica on the occurrence of human yersiniosis

An increase in Yersinia enterocolitica human infections has recently been n oted. The numerous cases noted in other countries of this bacterium has beg un to rival other widespread alimentary tract pathogens. Yersiniosis is a d isease diagnosed mainly in humans, but symptoms of infection in numerous do mestic and wild species of animals have been observed. Swine are the most i mportant reservoir of human pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica strains. How ever, there is evidence that pets can also be carriers of these strains, th us causing the disease in people. Most human pathogenic strains of Yersinia enterocolitica have been derived fi om puppies and kittens. These animals can be a source of infections, par ticularly during close contacts with children. Although dogs and cats are not the most important reservoir and source of Y ersinia enterocolitica infections, this micro-organism should be included i n differential diagnosis of enteritis, especially when its symptoms include bloody diarrhoea in young animals.