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Molecular and physiological insights into plague transmission, virulence and etiology

Dongsheng Zhou1, Yanping Han, Ruifu Yang

  • 1State Key laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, National Center for Biomedical Analysis, Army Center for Microbial Detection and Research, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing 100071, China.

Microbes and Infection
|September 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a dangerous disease that can spread through fleas. Understanding its virulence factors is key to controlling this deadly pathogen and preventing bioterrorism.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pathogen Evolution
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Plague is a severe systemic disease caused by Yersinia pestis.
  • Y. pestis evolved from Y. pseudotuberculosis, a milder enteric pathogen.
  • The bacterium's ability to parasitize fleas and infect mammals drives epidemic potential and bioterrorism concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the determinants of plague pathogenesis in mammals.
  • To understand the transmission mechanisms of Y. pestis by fleas.
  • To highlight the role of genomics and proteomics in dissecting Y. pestis virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of extensive studies on plague.
  • Analysis of pathogen lifestyle adaptation strategies.
  • Examination of genomic and proteomic data.

Main Results:

  • Y. pestis employs specific strategies for survival in fleas and growth in mammalian hosts.
  • Key factors contributing to plague pathogenesis and flea transmission are identified.
  • Genomic and proteomic approaches offer comprehensive insights into host adaptation.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding Y. pestis virulence determinants is crucial for controlling plague.
  • Further research using advanced 'omics' technologies will elucidate host-pathogen interactions.
  • This knowledge is vital for public health and biosecurity against plague.

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