Yersinia enterocolitica: Revisitation of an enduring human pathogen

Yersinia enterocolitica remains a charismatic microorganism. The research findings outlined in this article have uncovered new virulence factors, such as type III secretion systems, and have advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal infections caused by Y. enterocolitica. Furthermore, a clarification of the potential capability of biovar 1A strains, long regarded as avirulent, has now proven that they cause symptomatic infections in appropriate patient settings, such as immunosuppression or hemochromatosis. Researchers have also expanded the spectra of non-gastrointestinal clinical manifestations of disease to include cutaneous infections, endocarditis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, and meningitis.