What is the treatment for severe Yersinia enterocolitica infection?

Severe Yersinia enterocolitica infections often manifest as enteritis, which can lead to significant gastrointestinal symptoms and complications. The treatment of choice for severe infections caused by this organism is typically an antibiotic that is effective against enteric bacteria. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is considered effective in treating Yersinia enterocolitica because it targets a range of gram-negative bacteria, including Yersinia, thus addressing the underlying infection effectively.

While fluid replacement is crucial for managing dehydration caused by diarrhea, it does not address the infection itself. Antibiotics like vancomycin and metronidazole, while effective against other pathogens, are not typically indicated for Yersinia enterocolitica due to resistance and lack of efficacy, respectively. Therefore, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole stands out as the appropriate choice to manage severe infections caused by this bacterium.