Plague

Plague is a severe bacterial infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Yersinia pestis.

Epidemiology

It is extremely rare in Europe but still spreads in Africa and, to a lesser degree, in Asia and Latin America.

Clinical description

There are two clinical forms of the disease: bubonic plague, characterized by painfully inflamed lymph nodes called "buboes'', an elevated temperature and an altered clinical state; and pulmonary plague which manifests itself as thoracic pain, a cough with bloody expectoration, an elevated temperature, an altered clinical state and consciousness disorders.

Etiology

Plague is transmitted from animals to humans by fleas. Rodents are the reservoir for the disease. Plague is also transmitted between humans via the respiratory route.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis is based on isolation of the bacterium in the bubo, blood or expectoration, or from serology.

Management and treatment

Many classes of antibiotics are effective against Yersinia pestis (aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, cotrimoxazole, rifampicin, fluoroquinolones etc.).

Prognosis

Without treatment, the course of the disease is rapidly fatal.