Yersinia enterocolitica rapid test

General information:

A rapid test (immunochromatographic) for the detection of Yersinia enterocolitica. The test detects serotypes O:3 and O:9, which are the most common causes of yersiniosis in Bulgaria.

It is associated with consumption of food or water contaminated with Yersinia.

A baby or toddler can become infected if a parent or other person who handled contaminated food did not wash their hands and then prepare the food.

Other risk factors are:

• consumption of food contaminated with the bacteria, especially prepared from raw or semi-raw pork products
• ingestion of contaminated water
• Consumption of contaminated unpasteurized milk or milk products
• young children putting their hands in their mouths while playing with pets

The most common symptoms in children are:

• temperature
• abdominal pain mimicking appendicitis
• diarrhea that may be bloody

In adults and older children:

• right-sided abdominal pain lasting >3 weeks
• low fever
• loose, mushy stools

Complications are relatively rare:

• skin rash
• chronic joint pain
• bacteremia

Sample required:

Fecal sample (faeces) in a sterile container. The material can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Key words:

yersinia enterocolitica rapid test