Yersinia enterocolitica: a significant 'new' pathogen.

It thrives in the cold, defies conventional culture methods, does not respond to most antibiotics, and may mimic other disorders in its manifestations. Fortunately, most cases of yersinial enterocolitis are mild and self-limiting, but infection can be life-threatening, especially in neonates or when immunologic defenses are impaired. Clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria and epidemiologic clues are described.