[Yersinia enterolitica infections: 2. Impact on human health]

The clinical picture of yersiniosis in humans and its prevalence in the human population is described in detail. Mass production of animals, development of meat factories based on sophisticated chains of cold storage units and international trade of meat products and animals are believed to be the reasons for the increasing prevalence of yersiniosis in humans. In Germany, anti-Yersinia antibodies are found in up to 40% of the average population. The financial losses for the national economy cannot be judged. Of special interest for industrial medicine are sequelae-like reactive arthritis in exposed occupational groups such as veterinarians or butchers. However, the lack of national and international data makes the assessment of the potential of yersiniosis as a zoonosis difficult. Therefore, intensive and interdisciplinary research is needed to close the gaps described. Already proven and proposed countermeasures at the different stages of mass production of animals and reglementations for international trade of meat products and animals are introduced. The need for development not only of cheap and rapid diagnostic tools but also for countermeasures and treatment strategies is discussed.