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Yersinia pestis--etiologic agent of plague

R D Perry1, J D Fetherston

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536, USA. rperry@pop.uky.edu

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Plague, a zoonotic disease caused by Yersinia pestis, persists due to its rodent/flea cycle. Research reveals novel virulence traits and complex regulatory systems, offering insights into host-parasite interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Plague is a historical zoonotic disease caused by Yersinia pestis, with a significant impact on human populations.
  • The bacterium's survival is ensured by a broad range of mammalian hosts and their associated fleas, making eradication unlikely.

Observation:

  • The flea/rodent life cycle of Yersinia pestis, a gram-negative obligate pathogen, subjects it to diverse environmental conditions.
  • This exposure has led to the development of unique traits that enhance transmission and infection capabilities.
  • Studies have identified novel mechanisms employed by Yersinia pestis to circumvent host defenses.

Findings:

  • Virulence determinants of Yersinia pestis exhibit complex regulatory systems controlling their expression.
  • Research into these virulence factors provides new insights into the host-parasite relationship.

Implications:

  • Understanding plague's etiology, epidemiology, and clinical aspects is crucial for public health.
  • Continued research on Yersinia pestis is essential for managing and potentially preventing future outbreaks.

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