Plague

Definition

A plague is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, often resulting in high mortality rates. It primarily affects the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The three main forms of plague are bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic.
2. Plague is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected flea or direct contact with contaminated fluids or tissues.
3. Yersinia pestis can evade the immune system by inhibiting phagocytosis and inducing apoptosis in macrophages.
4. Symptoms of bubonic plague include swollen and painful lymph nodes (buboes), fever, chills, and weakness.
5. Effective treatment for plague includes prompt administration of antibiotics such as streptomycin or gentamicin.

Review Questions

• What are the primary modes of transmission for Yersinia pestis?
• Describe the differences between bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague.
• Which antibiotics are commonly used to treat plague infections?

Related terms

Epidemiology: The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled within populations.

Bacteremia: The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Vector: An organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another.