Illness generally lasts from 1 to 2 weeks but chronic cases may persist for up to a year. Antibodies specific for the F1 and VW antigens are opsonic and confer immunity by enhancing phagocytosis and intracellular killing by PMNs. The Yersinia multiply in the flea intestinal tract. Upon biting a new host, the flea regurgitates, inoculating the new host with the organisms. Y. enterocolitica is an intestinal parasite of animals.
Humans acquire disease via ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Rapid diagnosis must be made because of the speed at which the disease progresses and the high mortality rate. Diagnosis of Yersinia gastroenteritis requires laboratory confirmation. However, for the safety of workers and the community, P-3 level containment is required for Y. pestis . Y. enterocolitica may be grown on a variety of standard bacteriologic medias. Decontamination of water and milk prevents gastroenteritis.