Which of the following is a typical symptom in a child infected with Yersinia enterocolitica?

A typical symptom associated with Yersinia enterocolitica infection in children is crampy abdominal pain that can mimic appendicitis. This organism is known to cause a form of gastroenteritis that often presents with abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea. The crampy nature of the pain is particularly notable, and its similarity to appendicitis can sometimes lead to surgical evaluations, as the symptoms may initially suggest an acute appendiceal process.

The mechanism behind this symptom involves the bacteria's ability to invade the intestinal mucosa and cause localized inflammation, which can result in significant abdominal discomfort. The presence of fever also supports the inflammatory response associated with this type of infection. In children, it is important to differentiate between Yersinia enterocolitica infection and appendicitis, especially given the potential for misdiagnosis due to the overlap in clinical presentation.

Severe watery diarrhea, mucus diarrhea without cramping, and persistent cough with pharyngitis are not characteristic symptoms of Yersinia enterocolitica infection, as the primary gastrointestinal effects tend to revolve around pain and the type of diarrhea produced, which is typically less watery and more characterized by the cramping pain associated with inflammation.