Yersinia enterocolitica
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Yersinia enterocolitica
Yersinia enterocolitica is a species of gram-negative, coccobacillus-shaped bacterium, oxidase-negative, and non–lactose-fermenting bacilli responsible for several zoonotic disease (cattle, deer, pigs, and birds). The spectrum of disease caused by it ranges from asymptomatic to life-threatening sepsis, especially in infants.
| Kingdom | Eubacteria |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Proteobacteria |
| Class | Gammaproteobacteria |
| Order | Enterobacteriales |
| Family | Enterobacteriaceae |
| Genus | Yersinia |
| Species | Y. enterocolitica |
| Binomial | Yersinia enterocolitica |
Contents |
[edit] Surface Characteristics
Y. enterocolitica has increased surface charge and hydrophobicity due to presence of a 40- to 48-megadalton plasmid. The concentration of calcium in the growth medium had a moderate effect on the expression of the cell surface properties. Cell surface properties are greatly reduced among plasmid-bearing cells grown on tryptic soy agarose regardless of growth temperatures. eatly reduced among plasmid-bearing cells grown on tryptic soy agarose regardless of growth temperatures.
[edit] Transmission
Transmission is primarily via ingestion of contaminated foods, especially people who handle/eat pork. Pasteurized milk and dairy products can also cause outbreaks because Yersinia can proliferate at refrigerated temperatures. Transmission via blood products has occurred. Infection can be transmitted from mother to newborn infant.
[edit] Pathogenic Activity
Yersinia enterocolitica infection may be asymptomatic; however, several syndromes are associated with this infection in children. Some of them are Enterocolitis, Pseudoappendicitis syndrome, Bacteremia and Postinfectious, nonsuppurative sequelae.
[edit] Virulence
Plasmid-encoded proteins of the outer membrane represent a major determinant in the pathogenicity of Y enterocolitica by contributing to adherence and invasion of the organism; antibodies directed against these proteins are present in patients convalescing from disease.
[edit] References
Plasmid-associated cell surface charge and hydrophobicity of Yersinia enterocolitica
