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Isolation of pathogens other than Yersinia pestis during plague investigations
Abstract:
From 1975 to 1978, 37 isolates of Pasteurella multocida, 1 of Salmonella enteriditis, and 5 of Francisella tularensis were recovered from 42 mammalian specimens and 1 flea pool submitted for examination for evidence of infection with Yersinia pestis. Most of the specimens were collected during investigations of either a human plague infection or a reported epizootic among rodent populations. All specimens were of species regularly or occasionally involved in plague or tularemia cycles in nature and most were collected in areas of known plague or tularemia activity.
Insights
During plague investigations, researchers found Pasteurella multocida, Salmonella enteriditis, and Francisella tularensis in mammalian specimens. These findings highlight the presence of other infectious agents during Yersinia pestis surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Investigations for Yersinia pestis (plague) often occur during human infections or rodent epizootics.
- Mammalian species and fleas are reservoirs and vectors for various infectious agents.
- Ecological and epidemiological factors influence the prevalence of zoonotic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify bacterial pathogens other than Yersinia pestis in specimens collected during plague investigations.
- To understand the co-occurrence of different bacterial infections in wildlife populations.
- To assess the diagnostic yield of routine surveillance for multiple zoonotic agents.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological culture and isolation from mammalian specimens and flea pools.
- Identification of bacterial isolates using standard microbiological techniques.
- Correlation of findings with epidemiological data from plague investigations.
Main Results:
- 37 isolates of Pasteurella multocida, 1 of Salmonella enteriditis, and 5 of Francisella tularensis were recovered.
- These pathogens were identified in 42 mammalian specimens and 1 flea pool.
- Specimens originated from areas with known plague and tularemia activity.
Conclusions:
- Surveillance for Yersinia pestis can concurrently detect other significant zoonotic bacterial pathogens.
- Pasteurella multocida and Francisella tularensis are prevalent in wildlife populations investigated for plague.
- Integrated surveillance strategies can improve the detection and understanding of diverse zoonotic disease threats.