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 Science

  Sam 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