Yersinia arthritis is an inflammatory disease that is caused by a pathogenic strain of Yersinia bacteria. It can cause severe pain in your joints and can result in joint damage. However, there are several different types of Yersinia arthritis and each has its own symptoms.
Pathogenic vs pathogenic-like strains
Yersinia enterocolitica is a genus of facultatively anaerobic bacteria that can cause infections in humans. Its virulence is correlated with the presence of the pYV plasmid. These pathogens are divided into more than 57 O serogroups. The pYV-negative strains cause short-lived infections. They also are susceptible to complement killing and polymorphonuclear leukocyte killing. In addition, pYV-negative strains of yersinia are able to persist in non-infected macrophages.
Biotype 1A strains have a specific antibody response to the infecting organism. These strains are often isolated from wounds, the intestine, and the sputum. However, they are rarely symptomatic and their presence is not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Although a large number of biotype 1A strains are asymptomatic, they can cause intestinal infections. Unlike virulent biotypes, the pathogenicity of biotype 1A strains is not influenced by the presence of the Yersinia virulence plasmid. These strains are more likely to be found in healthy individuals.
Pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica has been detected in about 5% of samples from rodents. The bacteria were detected using TaqMan PCR. A study conducted in Sweden found the bacteria in 190 rodents captured on seven pig farms.
Yersinia enterocolitica can be divided into six biotypes. Biovars 2 to 5 have chromosomally encoded virulence factors. These factors control the invading bacteria and the Yersinia virulence. Yersinia enterocolitica strains of biotype 1A lack chromosomal markers of pathogenicity. Biotype 1A strains are found in a wide range of animals. Their ability to invade epithelial cells and macrophages is greater than that of the non-pathogenic isolates.
Diagnosis
Yersinia arthritis is an infection of the joints that is caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, a type of bacteria that can be found in a healthy humans and animals. The infection may result in symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swollen joints. Yersinia arthritis symptoms may be self-limiting or last for several months.
The first signs of Yersinia arthritis may be diarrhea, fever, or abdominal pain. Yersinia enterocolitica can be detected from a stool swab, throat swab, or by a positive culture of the mesenteric lymph node. Yersinia arthritis symptoms are usually mild and can develop in adults and children. Yersinia enterocolitica is normally resistant to fluoroquinolones and first-generation cephalosporins.
A middle-aged man with an upper respiratory tract infection developed wrist and knee arthritis. Infection with Yersinia enterocolitica was found to be a contributing factor. A positive culture of the patient’s purulent fluid was sent for Gram staining. Yersinia enterocolitica antigen was detected in the patient’s colon biopsy specimens. The patient received antipyretics, antibiotics, and arthrocentesis. The arthritis was resolved in four months.
One patient with a positive culture had rheumatoid arthritis. Another had ankylosing spondylitis. A third had extensor tenosynovitis. A fifth had isolated articular joint disease, and the remaining six patients were free of joint symptoms.
The presence of reactive arthritis was associated with a high prevalence of Yersinia antibodies. Three classes of antibodies were detected one month after infection. These antibodies are IgG, IgA, and IgM.
Treatment
Yersinia arthritis is a rare occurrence. It is believed to be caused by an enteric pathogen. This disease is characterized by the inflammation of the joints and ligaments. It can cause a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Typically, it occurs in young children. It can also be spread by dogs. It may also be caused by consuming raw pork. Yersiniosis is usually cured without treatment. However, in cases that are complicated, antibiotics may be prescribed. Antibiotics may reduce the duration of the disease and can also be used to treat more severe infections.
In addition to causing reactive arthritis, Yersinia enterocolitica can also cause gastroenteritis and osteomyelitis. It can be diagnosed from the stool, blood, and lymph nodes. The symptoms of yersiniosis include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is often found in young children and in people who eat raw pork. The infection usually goes away on its own, but it can also be transmitted to others if you come in contact with the feces.
To test the hypothesis that yersinia is a trigger of reactive arthritis, researchers studied the immune responses of patients with the condition. These patients were treated with an anti-inflammatory drug called infliximab, which is known to reduce the symptoms of reactive arthritis.