Yersiniosis
What is Yersinia enterocolitica?
Yersinia enterocolitica can be found in meats, oysters, fish, and raw milk. The exact cause of the food contamination is unknown. However, poor sanitation practices by food handlers, including improper storage, can contribute to contamination. CDC estimates that about 17,000 cases occur annually in the USA. It is a far more common disease in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan.
The major "complication" is the performance of unnecessary appendectomies, since one of the main symptoms of infection is abdominal pain of the lower right quadrant.
More Information on Yersinia enterocolitica:
- Yersinia enterocolitica - U S Food & Drug Administration - Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins 1992 (Bad Bug Book)
- Yerisinia enterocolitica - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Live Stock and Meat Board
Food Safety Project Director
Catherine H. Strohbehn, PhD, RD, CFSP
HRIM Extension Specialist
Adjunct Associate Professor
Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa, 50011-1121 USA
Email: cstrohbe@iastate.edu
Consumer and Processing Food Safety and ScienceSam Beattie, PhD
Food Safety Extension Specialist
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Iowa State University Extension
122A MacKay Hall
Ames, Iowa, 50011-1121 USA
Email: beatties@iastate.edu
- Article History
- Revision Date: 8/16/2006