YERSINIA-ENTEROCOLITICA - AN INDUCER OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the connection between y ersiniosis and chronic inflammation. During the period 1974-83, Yersin ia enterocolitica infection was diagnosed in 458 hospitalized patients by antibody response, or isolation. The patients were followed for 4- 14 years (1987); 160 were readmitted with chronic disease. Fifty-three patients had persistent joint complaints, 18 developed ankylosing spo ndylitis, 14 rheumatoid arthritis and 17 iridocyclitis. Thirty-eight p atients suffered from chronic abdominal pain, and another 28 from chro nic diarrhoea. Two who underwent proctocolectomy microscopically had u lcerative colitis. Eleven patients developed neurological disease; oth ers developed conditions such as chronic nephritis, thyroid disease, i nsulin-dependent diabetes, etc. Chronic hepatitis, found in 22 patient s, was significantly correlated with positive test for antinuclear ant ibody and rheumatoid factor and with death. Several patients developed chronic multiorgan disease, probably with chronic hepatitis as pivot. Regarding the whole material, the difference between observed and exp ected cumulative survival rates remained significant for 8 years (0.91 89 < 0.9456; p < 0.025), indicating a substantial impact on long-term survival exerted by chronic yersiniosis.