Pediatric Yersinia Enterocolitica Medication

  • Author: Swetha G Pinninti, MD; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD   more...
 
Updated: Mar 29, 2012
 

Medication Summary

Good nutrition and hydration are the mainstays of treatment in Yersinia enterocolitica infection. Antibiotics are indicated only as outlined. Tetracycline has traditionally been the drug of choice (DOC); however, increasing resistance is documented. In addition, these drugs should not be routinely used in children younger than 8 years.

First-line drugs include aminoglycosides and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Other effective drugs include third-generation cephalosporins, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and fluoroquinolones (not approved for use in children < 18 y). Yersinia organisms are uniformly resistant to penicillin G and ampicillin, with or without clavulanate. Antimotility agents are contraindicated in the treatment of Y enterocolitica infection because of the increased risk of invasion.

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Antibiotics

Class Summary

For appropriate Yersinia infections, the following antibiotics have been proven effective.

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Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim)

 

Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting synthesis of dihydrofolic acid. Not helpful for uncomplicated gastroenteritis. Recommended for systemic infections, extraintestinal focal infections, and disease in immunocompromised children.

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Gentamicin (Garamycin)

 

Not helpful for uncomplicated gastroenteritis. Recommended for systemic infections, extraintestinal focal infections, and disease in immunocompromised children.

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Cefotaxime (Claforan)

 

Not helpful for uncomplicated gastroenteritis. Recommended for systemic infections, extraintestinal focal infections, and disease in immunocompromised children.

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Tetracycline (Sumycin)

 

Treats gram-positive and gram-negative organisms as well as mycoplasmal, chlamydial, and rickettsial infections. Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding with 30S and possibly 50S ribosomal subunit(s).

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Swetha G Pinninti, MD  Fellow in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Swetha G Pinninti, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Robert W Tolan Jr, MD  Chief, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine

Robert W Tolan Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Novartis Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Daniel R Bronfin, MD  Head, General Academic Pediatrics, Ochsner Children's Health Center

Daniel R Bronfin, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Leonard R Krilov, MD  Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and International Adoption, Vice Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Professor of Pediatrics, Winthrop University Hospital

Leonard R Krilov, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Pediatric Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Medimmune Grant/research funds Cliinical trials; Medimmune Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Medimmune Consulting fee Consulting

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Joseph Domachowske, MD  Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, State University of New York Upstate Medical University

Joseph Domachowske, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert W Tolan Jr, MD  Chief, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine

Robert W Tolan Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Novartis Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Chief Editor

Russell W Steele, MD  Head, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ochsner Children's Health Center; Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine

Russell W Steele, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Immunologists, American Pediatric Society, American Society for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Louisiana State Medical Society, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Society for Pediatric Research, and Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Gram stain of Yersinia enterocolitica.
 
 
 
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