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History of the Plague: An Ancient Pandemic for the Age of COVID-19
Kathryn A Glatter1, Paul Finkelman1
1Gratz College, Melrose Park, Pennsylvania.
Abstract:
During the fourteenth century, the bubonic plague or Black Death killed more than one third of Europe or 25 million people. Those afflicted died quickly and horribly from an unseen menace, spiking high fevers with suppurative buboes (swellings). Its causative agent is Yersinia pestis, creating recurrent plague cycles from the Bronze Age into modern-day California and Mongolia. Plague remains endemic in Madagascar, Congo, and Peru. This history of medicine review highlights plague events across the centuries. Transmission is by fleas carried on rats, although new theories include via human body lice and infected grain. We discuss symptomatology and treatment options. Pneumonic plague can be weaponized for bioterrorism, highlighting the importance of understanding its clinical syndromes. Carriers of recessive familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) mutations have natural immunity against Y. pestis. During the Black Death, Jews were blamed for the bubonic plague, perhaps because Jews carried FMF mutations and died at lower plague rates than Christians. Blaming minorities for epidemics echoes across history into our current coronavirus pandemic and provides insightful lessons for managing and improving its outcomes.
Insights
The Black Death, caused by Yersinia pestis, killed millions in the 14th century. Familial Mediterranean fever mutations may have offered natural plague immunity, offering historical lessons for modern pandemics.
Area of Science:
- History of Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The Black Death, caused by Yersinia pestis, devastated Europe in the 14th century, resulting in millions of deaths.
- Plague has recurred throughout history and remains endemic in several regions globally.
- Understanding plague's history, transmission, and clinical syndromes is crucial, especially considering its bioterrorism potential.
Observation:
- Bubonic plague symptoms include high fevers and suppurative buboes.
- Transmission routes include fleas on rats, with emerging theories involving human body lice and infected grain.
- Recessive familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) mutations confer natural immunity to Yersinia pestis.
Findings:
- Individuals with FMF mutations exhibited lower mortality rates during the Black Death.
- Historical scapegoating of minority groups during epidemics, such as Jews during the Black Death, is a recurring pattern.
- Lower plague mortality among Jewish populations may be linked to higher prevalence of FMF mutations.
Implications:
- Insights from plague history can inform contemporary pandemic management and outcomes.
- Understanding genetic factors influencing disease resistance is vital for public health strategies.
- Combating misinformation and prejudice during health crises is essential, drawing parallels between historical events and the current coronavirus pandemic.
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