Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2025
'Bioluminescent' Reporter Phage for the Detection of Category A Bacterial Pathogens
Published on: July 8, 2011
From History Books to Headlines: Plague in Modern Times
Mindy Johnson1, Michael D Gooch
1Author Affiliations: Emergency Nurse Practitioner Program, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee (Dr. Johnson); and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (Dr. Gooch); and Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, Madison, Tennessee (Dr. Gooch).
Abstract:
Although often considered a historical disease, plague remains a modern-day public health concern with global relevance. Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and transmitted to humans primarily through infected flea bites or contact with infected animals, plague persists worldwide, including parts of the southwestern United States. The disease presents in three main forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Bubonic plague, the most common form, is characterized by painful swollen lymph nodes known as buboes. Septicemic plague occurs when the infection enters the blood stream, while pneumonic plague, the most virulent and transmissible form, poses a serious bioterrorism threat due to its ability to spread via respiratory droplets and high fatality rate. Though rare today, with an average of seven cases annually in the U.S., plague still demands awareness and preparedness by emergency nurse practitioners and other clinicians. Early diagnosis, timely antibiotic treatment, and vigilant public health measures are critical to reducing its morbidity and mortality.
Insights
Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a persistent global health threat. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing this disease, which presents in bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic forms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, remains a relevant public health issue globally.
- Transmission occurs via flea bites or infected animal contact, with persistence in regions like the southwestern U.S.
- The disease manifests as bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight plague as a current public health concern.
- To emphasize the different forms of plague and their characteristics.
- To underscore the importance of preparedness for clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on plague epidemiology and clinical presentation.
- Analysis of Yersinia pestis transmission routes.
- Discussion of diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Plague persists globally, with Yersinia pestis as the causative agent.
- Pneumonic plague is the most virulent and transmissible form, posing a bioterrorism risk.
- An average of seven U.S. cases annually necessitates clinical awareness.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic intervention are vital for reducing plague morbidity and mortality.
- Vigilant public health measures are essential for controlling plague outbreaks.
- Emergency nurse practitioners and clinicians must be prepared to manage plague cases.
More Related Videos
09:01Phage-Mediated Genetic Manipulation of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
Published on: September 28, 2022
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
00:57Antibiotic Selection
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
01:50Threats to Biodiversity
00:36Viral Mutations
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance