First isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8 in Japan

Abstract

A 4-year-old Japanese boy was infected with Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8, H:befiv, biotype 1B, phage type X(z), restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA type B, restriction endonuclease analysis of chromosomal DNA type 8. He presented with acute gastroenteritis with elevated body temperature (40°C), rigor, and shivers. The diagnosis was septicemia. This is apparently the first report of this serotype from a human infection outside North America.