Insight into Yersinia enterocolitica Biovar 1A: pathogenicity, epidemiology and global distribution

Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A is a worldwide distributed environmentally tolerant enteric pathogen with a controversial pathogenic profile. In Biovar 1A lack of both plasmid for Yersinia virulence (pYV) and major chromosomally encoded determinant genes as compare to other biovars 1B, 2–5. Nevertheless, biovar 1A is commonly reported from clinical cases, foods and environmental sources worldwide, including India. This review aims to shed light on the strain distribution, epidemiology and iron acquisition mechanisms relevant to biovar 1A, which are of pivotal importance for its survival and pathogenicity. Both genomic and proteomic in-depth analyses have revealed remarkable genetic heterogeneity, diversity of serotypes and clonal groupings, thus emphasizing its ability to adapt to various ecological niches. Proteomic characterization has outlined highly regulated pathways of iron acquisition, which include siderophore-dependent and TonB-dependent systems; central roles have been attributed to bacterioferritin (Bfr) and the hemin receptor (HemR) under iron deprivation. It provides an overview of the worldwide distribution (1A biovar), molecular adjustments and epidemiological relevance of biovar 1A; this highlights the need for further research into its public health implications—especially in developing countries.