Yersinia Enterocolitica in Cases of Diarrhea in Gorgan, Northern Iran

Abstract Background and objectives: After respiratory infection, Diarrhea is the second cause of mortality. Yersinia enterocolitica is the second important cause of infectious diarrhea in children of some countries. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of Yersinia entocolitica of diarrheal specimens in Gorgan, Iran. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross - sectional Study was carried out on diarrheal stools of 455 patients referred to medical centers and laboratory of Gorgan in 2004-2005. DNA extraction using phenol chloroform was performed for all samples. Using two specific primers (genus-specific16s rRNA and ail- specific species genus of Yersinia enterocolitica), we did PCR sample. Results: Yersinia genome was identified in 12 patients(2.63%) and 11 of them was Yersinia enterocolitica. The frequency infection in of girls (3%) was more than boys (2.4%), and the prevalence in winter (4%) was more them other seasons, and under one- year- group (3.4%) and 1-5 years (3.1%) is more than other age groups. It was not observed significant difference. (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of Yersinia in cases of diarrhea in Gorgan is similar to most regions of Iran and in children under 5 years is observed more in winter. Key words: Yersinia enterocolitica, Diarrhea, children, Gorgan