Syndromic Gastrointestinal Panel Diagnostic Tests Have Changed our Understanding of the Epidemiology of Yersiniosis-Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 2010-2021.

Abstract

In the US, yersinosis was understood to predominantly occur in winter and among Black or African American infants and Asian children. Increased use of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) has led to marked increases in yersinosis diagnoses. We describe differences in the epidemiology of yersiniosis diagnosed by CIDT versus culture in 10 US sites, and identify determinants of health associated with diagnostic method. Annual reported incidence increased from 0.3/100 000 in 2010 to 1.3/100 000 in 2021, particularly among adults ≥18 years, regardless of race and ethnicity, and during summer months. The proportion of CIDT-diagnosed infections increased from 3% in 2012 to 89% in 2021. An ill person's demographic characteristics and location of residence had a significant impact on their odds of being diagnosed by CIDT. Improved detection due to increased CIDT use has altered our understanding of yersinosis epidemiology, however differential access to CIDTs may still affect our understanding of yersinosis.