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The clinical presentation, course and outcome of Yersinia enterocolitica infection was studied prospectively in 125 children. Enteric forms oc curred in 114 children (92 enteritis, 20 pseudoap pendicitis, 2 chronic ileitis), of whom 17 also had extramesenteric manifestations; 11 children had one or more extramesenteric forms without en teric disease. Enteritis occurred more frequently in young children whereas serious forms and extramesenteric forms were more common in children older than 6 years of age (P < 0.001). Arthritis was observed in 13 children and exten sive lymphadenopathy in 11; 1 child had septice mia with pleurisy, 1 had vasculitis, 1 had chole cystitis and 4 had erythema nodosum. Diagnosis was established by positive culture in 100 (80%) children and by agglutinin test in 11 of 45 (24%), demonstration of circulating specific anti-IgA and anti-IgG to Yersinia outer membrane pro teins in 47 of 48 (98%) and detection of antigen in biopsies in 28 of 33 (85%) children. The 2 latter methods were superior to the agglutinin test. Serotype 03 and 0 9 predominated. The fre quency and seriousness of complications may justify the use of antibiotics for Yersinia enteritis in children 6 years of age or older.

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