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Plague: from natural disease to bioterrorism

Stefan Riedel1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75246, USA. docriedel@aol.com

Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|October 4, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Yersinia pestis causes plague, a serious bacterial disease transmitted by fleas. While bubonic plague is treatable, pneumonic plague is rapidly fatal and a bioterrorism concern.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Plague is an enzootic vectorborne disease caused by Yersinia pestis, primarily infecting rodents and fleas.
  • Human infection occurs through flea bites, typically resulting in bubonic plague.
  • Pneumonic plague, a severe form, can arise from bloodstream spread and poses a rare person-to-person transmission risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and symptoms of plague.
  • To emphasize the importance of medical community preparedness for plague outbreaks and bioterrorism events.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Yersinia pestis and plague.
  • Analysis of plague transmission, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes.
  • Assessment of plague's potential as a bioterrorism agent.

Main Results:

  • Bubonic plague is generally treatable with antibiotics.
  • Pneumonic plague has a high fatality rate, even with prompt antibiotic treatment.
  • Yersinia pestis is a recognized bioterrorism agent.

Conclusions:

  • Familiarity with plague's epidemiology, diagnosis, and symptoms is crucial for effective medical response.
  • Preparedness is essential given plague's potential for bioterrorism.

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