2129. Yersinia enterocolitica, IgA antibodies

The test detects IgA antibodies to Yersinia enterocolitica, a gram-negative bacterium that causes yersiniosis. IgA is detected in the acute phase of the disease (10-14 days after infection) and can remain positive for 2-6 months.

Yersiniosis is an infectious disease caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route and through contaminated food (especially pork) or water. Yersinia enterocolitica causes acute gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Diarrhea can last from 12 to 22 days. It may be accompanied by pain in the lower right abdomen, being very similar to the clinical picture of appendicitis.

Extraintestinal manifestations, such as reactive arthritis, rashes, and kidney damage, are possible. Diagnosis is by testing for IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies.

IgA antibodies indicate an active or recent infection and can persist for 2-6 months, or up to several years in chronic cases.

In patients with reactive arthritis, suspected post-infectious kidney or skin lesions, yersiniosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, even if intestinal symptoms are not pronounced or have already disappeared.

• For symptoms of acute or prolonged intestinal infection (diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever).
• For clinical presentations resembling appendicitis, especially in children and adolescents.
• For reactive arthritis or other post-infectious complications.
• For suspected chronic yersiniosis or systemic manifestations of unknown etiology.
• For patients with immunosuppression or long-term gastrointestinal complaints.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: