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

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.