Why is there Yersinia in thalassemia?
Patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia are at increased risk of serious infections. Yersinia enterocolitica is an organism with a predilection for these and other iron-overloaded patients. Three young adult patients with beta-thalassemia who were chronically transfused and developed yersiniosis are reported.
What are the symptoms of Yersinia enterocolitica?
enterocolitica occurs most often in young children. In older children and adults, right-sided abdominal pain and fever may be the predominant symptoms, and may be confused with appendicitis….Symptoms
- diarrhea (often bloody)
- abdominal pain and cramps.
- fever.
What bacteria causes thalassemia?
Major causative organisms of bacterial infections in thalassaemic patients are Klebsiella spp in Asia and Yersinia enterocolitica in western countries. Transfusion-associated viral infections (especially hepatitis C) can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
What does Yersinia enterocolitica do?
Yersinia enterocolitica is a gram-negative bacillus shaped bacterium that causes a zoonotic disease called yersiniosis. The infection is manifested as acute diarrhea, mesenteric adenitis, terminal ileitis, and pseudoappendicitis. In rare cases, it can even cause sepsis.
How can yersiniosis be prevented?
Avoid eating raw or undercooked pork. Thoroughly cook raw meat and poultry to destroy the bacteria. Meat, poultry, pork, and hamburgers should be cooked until they are no longer pink in the middle. Defrost food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Why is RBC count increased in thalassemia?
In the case of β-thalassemia, which is due to defective production of the β-globin chain of hemoglobin, the free α-globin chains precipitate in erythroid precursors causing anemia primarily due to impaired production of red blood cells.
What is the difference between alpha and beta thalassemia?
When thalassemia is called “alpha” or “beta,” this refers to the part of hemoglobin that isn’t being made. If either the alpha or beta part is not made, there aren’t enough building blocks to make normal amounts of hemoglobin. Low alpha is called alpha thalassemia. Low beta is called beta thalassemia.