Introduction

INTRODUCTION
  • Yersinia species are non-lactose fermenters and, with the exception of Y. pestis are motile.
  • Although there are more than 10 Yersinia species, only Yersinia pestis , Yersinia enterocolitica , Yersinia pesudoteuberculosis are pathogenic for animals and man.
  • They characteristically demonstrate bipolar staining in Giemsa-stained smears from animal tissues.
  • Yersinia pesudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica are found in the intestinal tracts of a wide range of wild mammals, birds and domestic animals.
  • All these animals may be reservoirs of infection. Many avian species may act as amplifier hosts and may also transfer the organisms mechanically.
  • They able to grow in a wide temperature range (5 to 420C) and survive for long periods in cool wet conditions.
  • In endemic areas, wild rodents are important reservoirs of Yersinia pestis.
  • Fleas, especially Xenopsylla cheopis, the oriental rat flea, transmit the infection to man and other animals.
  • Diseases caused by Yersinia

Species
Host
Disease
Pigs, other domestic animals
Enteritis (sub clinical infections)
Ewes
Sporadic abortion
Guinea-pigs and other laboratory animals
Septicemia (Pseudotuberculosis) and Focal hepatic necrosis
Sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo and pigs
Enteritis, mesenteric lymphadenitis
Cattle, sheep, goats
Sporadic abortion
Humans
Bubonic and pneumonic plague
Rodents
Sylvatic plague
Cats
Feline plague

 
Last modified: Monday, 4 June 2012, 5:19 AM