Biotypic and serotypic profiles of 367 Yersinia enterocolitica cultures of human and environmental origin in the United States.

Between 1972 and March 1977, 367 cultures of Yersinia enterocolitica were examined for biotypic and serotypic characteristics by Plague Branch, Vector-Borne Diseases Division, Center for Disease Control. Standard biotyping tests were performed. Serotyping antisera used contained somatic serofactors 1 through 9, 11 through 21, 24, 32, and two new types designated 'Arizona' and 'Tacoma'. The cultures examined included 68 from human illnesses; 43 from 12 species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals; 43 from raw meats, milk, or seafood; and 215 from 154 different water samples. Geographic origins of the cultures included 16 states of the USA and four provinces of Canada.