Pseudoappendicitis in a patient is commonly associated with which infectious agent?

Pseudoappendicitis is characterized by symptoms that mimic appendicitis, often resulting from a distinct infectious agent rather than actual inflammation of the appendix itself. In this case, Yersinia enterocolitica is the infectious agent commonly associated with pseudoappendicitis.

Yersinia enterocolitica typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, particularly in the right lower quadrant, and can be mistaken for appendicitis due to the similarities in presentation. This bacterium is often transmitted through contaminated food or water, and infections can lead to lymphadenitis that localizes in the mesenteric area, mimicking an acute appendicitis.

The other listed infectious agents do not typically cause pseudoappendicitis. For example, Vibrio species are primarily associated with cholera and gastroenteritis, Giardia primarily causes watery diarrhea and does not present with appendicitis-like symptoms, and Salmonella typically leads to enterocolitis rather than a presentation resembling appendicitis. Thus, Yersinia is the most closely linked to the pseudoappendicitis phenomenon.