Plague and Trace Metals in Natural Systems.

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Ecology
• Trace metal analysis

Background:

• Pathogenic organisms are influenced by environmental abiotic factors, including soil chemistry.
• Yersinia pestis, the bacterium causing plague, survives in soil, suggesting environmental influences.
• Previous research indicates potential links between soil chemistry and disease outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between soil trace metal concentrations and the presence of plague in small mammals.
• To analyze the influence of specific trace metals (manganese, cobalt, copper, zinc, molybdenum) on plague detection.
• To explore the broader implications for understanding disease dynamics within a One Health framework.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of controlled studies conducted over four decades in Russia.
• Comparison of trace metal concentrations in soils from plague-detected areas versus control plots.
• Statistical analysis of correlations between metal levels and plague detection in various small mammal species.

Main Results:

• Trace metal concentrations differed significantly (up to 20-fold) between plague-positive and control plots.
• Plague association was positive with manganese and cobalt, and negative with copper, zinc, and molybdenum.
• Similar connections were observed between pasturellosis and specific chemical element concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Soil and water chemistry can significantly facilitate or impede pathogen presence and disease outbreaks.
• Trace metal analysis in soil provides a potential indicator for plague and other epizootic risks.
• A One Health approach must consider environmental geochemistry in managing human and animal health.