Association of Yersinia Infection With Kawasaki Disease: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: Yersinia infection is known to present with Kawasaki disease (KD)-like symptoms although differentiating the 2 has been a challenge. The present study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and prevalence of Yersinia infection presenting with KD-like symptoms.

Methods: The present, prospective, multicenter study enrolled patients who received a diagnosis of KD between January 2021 and January 2022 at 2 hospitals in Tokyo. Stool samples were collected within 3 days of the start of KD treatment, and cultures were performed for Yersinia . Clinical history and symptoms suggestive of Yersinia infection were also evaluated.

Results: During the study period, 141 KD patients were screened and 117 patients with evaluable stool samples were registered. Only 1 patient was positive for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis , which was detected from both stool and blood cultures. The patient was refractory to KD treatment but improved after initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions: Routine screening for Yersinia is not appropriate for patients with KD and should be limited to certain patients in high-risk areas and those who are refractory to the standard KD treatment.