Sudden Onset of Pseudotuberculosis in Humans in France
Author Information
Author(s): Vincent Pascal, Leclercq Alexandre, Martin Liliane, Duez Jean-Marie, Simonet Michel, Carniel Elisabeth
Primary Institution: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Lille, France
Hypothesis
What caused the sudden increase in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections in France during the winter of 2004–05?
Conclusion
The increase in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections in France was likely due to a transient amplification of the pathogen from rodent reservoirs.
Supporting Evidence
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections increased significantly in France during the winter of 2004–05.
- 27 cases of culture-confirmed Y. pseudotuberculosis infections were reported.
- Most patients lived in rural areas with a history of previous infections.
- The genetic diversity of the isolates suggests multiple sources of infection.
Takeaway
A lot of people in France got sick from a germ called Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and it might be because there were more sick animals around.
Methodology
The study involved isolating Y. pseudotuberculosis strains from patients and conducting an epidemiologic investigation across various laboratories.
Limitations
The study did not identify a common food source for the infections, and some patients were lost to follow-up.
Participant Demographics
The participants included 27 patients with varying ages and health conditions, with a mix of urban and rural residents.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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