Yersinia enterocolitica enteritis in children.

Five patients were admitted to Children's Hospital National Medical Center with manifestations of Yersinia enterocolitica infections. Four of five had primarily enteric illness, while the fifth had associated ocular and joint involvements. In three of five cases, the disease was self-limiting. Two of the patients (No. 1 and 2) may have had their disease improved by antibiotic therapy. Increased alertness to the potential of Y enterocolitica to cause a variety of syndromes is necessary to make an accurate bacteriologic diagnosis and to expedite medical treatment.