Yersiniaceae

Yersiniaceae is a family of Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacteria belonging to the order Enterobacterales. This family currently contains three genera: Yersinia, Chimerella, and Tatumella. The type genus of the family is Yersinia. Bacteria within Yersiniaceae are typically rod-shaped and motile, though some species, particularly Yersinia pestis, are non-motile. They are found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and the intestinal tracts of animals.

The genus Yersinia is the most well-known and medically significant within this family. Several Yersinia species are pathogenic to humans and animals. Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague, a severe infectious disease. Other pathogenic Yersinia species, such as Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, commonly cause gastroenteritis and mesenteric adenitis, often transmitted through contaminated food or water. These bacteria possess virulence factors that aid in their survival and pathogenesis within host organisms.

Chimerella and Tatumella are less commonly encountered and are generally considered opportunistic pathogens or commensals. Their clinical significance is much lower compared to the Yersinia genus. Research into Yersiniaceae continues to focus on understanding their epidemiology, pathogenesis, and developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the diseases they cause.