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Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Updated: 2026-09-16

Overview

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a facultative anaerobic bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is a zoonotic pathogen, meaning it can infect both animals and humans. The bacterium is named for its ability to cause pseudotuberculosis, a disease characterized by granulomatous lesions resembling tuberculosis. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is closely related to Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague, but it is less virulent in humans. Despite its lower virulence compared to Yersinia pestis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis can still cause significant illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The primary route of infection is through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The bacterium is widely studied in medical and veterinary research due to its pathogenic mechanisms and its role as a model organism for understanding bacterial infections.

Key Features

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis exhibits several key features that distinguish it from other bacteria. It is a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium that is motile at temperatures below 30°C but loses motility at higher temperatures. The bacterium produces a variety of virulence factors, including adhesins, invasins, and toxins, which enable it to colonize and invade host tissues. One of the most notable features of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is its ability to survive and proliferate in a wide range of environmental conditions, including soil and water. This adaptability contributes to its persistence in natural reservoirs and its potential to cause outbreaks. The bacterium also has a relatively low infectious dose, meaning that even small amounts can lead to infection.

Application Areas

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is primarily studied in the context of infectious diseases and host-pathogen interactions. Researchers use this bacterium to investigate mechanisms of bacterial virulence, immune evasion, and host immune responses. Its close relationship to Yersinia pestis makes it a valuable model for studying plague biology without the high biosafety risks associated with Yersinia pestis. In veterinary medicine, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is of particular concern due to its ability to cause disease in livestock and wildlife. Outbreaks in animal populations can lead to significant economic losses. Additionally, the bacterium is occasionally used in biotechnology for the production of recombinant proteins, although this application is less common due to its pathogenic nature.

Precautions

Handling Yersinia pseudotuberculosis requires strict adherence to biosafety protocols. The bacterium should be handled in a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory to minimize the risk of infection. Personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. All work surfaces and equipment should be decontaminated after use. Ingestion or inhalation of the bacterium can lead to infection, so caution must be taken when working with liquid cultures or aerosols. Proper disposal of contaminated materials is essential to prevent environmental contamination. Individuals with compromised immune systems should avoid working with this pathogen due to the increased risk of severe illness.

B2B Procurement Guide

When procuring Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strains for research or industrial purposes, it is critical to source them from reputable suppliers. Ensure that the supplier provides detailed documentation, including strain identification, virulence characteristics, and any relevant safety data. Verify that the strains have been properly handled and stored to maintain viability and genetic stability. Consider the intended use of the bacterium when selecting a strain. Some strains may be more suitable for specific applications, such as virulence studies or vaccine development. Additionally, confirm that the supplier complies with all regulatory requirements for the transport and handling of pathogenic microorganisms. Proper shipping conditions, such as cold chain logistics, are essential to preserve the integrity of the bacterial cultures.

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