Nonspecific ileocolitis often is noted, with an inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria. Although Y enterocolitica does produce a heat-stable enterotoxin similar to Escherichia coli , the enterotoxin does not contribute to the pathogenicity of the organism. Symptoms typically persist for 5-14 days. Enterocolitis Enterocolitis, the most common presentation, occurs primarily in young children, with a mean age of 24 months. Prodromal symptoms of listlessness, anorexia, and headache may be present.
Most cases are self-limited.
Complications include appendicitis, diffuse ulceration and inflammation of the small intestine and colon, peritonitis, meningitis, intussusception, and cholangitis. Pseudoappendicitis syndrome Characteristics include fever, abdominal pain, tenderness in the right lower quadrant, and leukocytosis. Pseudoappendicitis syndrome is caused by infection with Y pseudotuberculosis . Infection causes mesenteric lymphadenitis with terminal ileitis. Pseudoappendicitis syndrome is more common in older children and young adults.