title: Clinical features of patients with novel Yersinia species.
abstract: Our purpose was to describe the clinical features of patients with novel Yersinia species. Between 1985 and 1999; 194 patients had yersinia species isolated from stool specimens, 38 (20%) had non-Yersinia enterocolitica species; 12 (32%) had Yersinia intermedia, 7 (18%) Yersinia fredericksenii, 3 (8%) Yersinia kristensenii, and the remaining 16 (42%) were unclassified non-Yersinia enterocolitica species. The most common presenting symptom was diarrhea alone in 10 (26.3%) patients. Symptoms persisted for >1 month in 54% of cases; 21% had symptoms for <1 week; 18 (47%) patients were taking corticosteroids, acid suppressants, and/or antibiotics when Yersinia was isolated. An immunocompromised state was present in 11 (29%) patients. An immunocompromised host and administration of acid suppressants predicted persistence of symptoms for >1 month. Most [27 (71%)] patients received no treatment; 5 (13%) received antibiotics. In conclusion, novel non-Yersinia enterocolitica species, including Yersinia intermedia, Y. fredericksenii, and Y. kristensenii may represent up to 20% of all Yersinia isolates. Diarrhea is the most common symptom.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Conor G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Loftus
authors.forename: Gavin C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Harewood
authors.forename: Franklin R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Cockerill
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Murray
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015009:Yersinia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology