bubonic plague

What is Bubonic Plague?

Bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is one of three types of plague and is characterized by the development of swollen and painful lymph nodes, called buboes.

Symptoms of Bubonic Plague

The symptoms of bubonic plague typically develop within 2 to 8 days after exposure to the bacteria and include:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Swollen and painful lymph nodes (buboes) in the area closest to the site of the flea bite or scratch

Transmission of Bubonic Plague

Bubonic plague is transmitted between animals and humans by the bite of infected fleas, direct contact with infected tissues, and inhalation of infected respiratory droplets. The disease can be passed from rodents to humans through the bites of infected fleas.

Types of Plague

There are three main types of plague:

• Bubonic plague (most common form)
• Septicemic plague (blood infection)
• Pneumonic plague (lung infection)

Mortality Rate

If left untreated, bubonic plague can result in death in up to 60% of cases.

References: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bubonic Plague

Bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, is a serious bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. The symptoms can develop rapidly, making it essential to recognize them early for prompt medical attention.

• Fever: A sudden high fever is one of the primary signs of bubonic plague [1].
• Chills: Patients often experience chills, which can be accompanied by a feeling of being cold despite having a high temperature [2].
• Headache: Headaches are another common symptom, often accompanied by other non-specific systemic symptoms [3].
• Tiredness: Feeling weak and tired is also a characteristic sign of bubonic plague [4].
• Muscle Aches: Some people may experience muscle aches or pains in the back and limbs [5].
• Swollen Lymph Nodes (Buboes): The most distinctive feature of bubonic plague is the development of swollen, painful lymph nodes called buboes, typically near the site of a flea bite [6].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these primary symptoms, some people may experience:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Back pain
• Weakness or fatigue

It's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have been infected with bubonic plague. Early treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery.

References: [1] May 15, 2024 — Bubonic plague: Patients develop fever, headache, chills, and weakness and one or more swollen, painful lymph nodes (called buboes). [2] Apr 20, 2023 — Bubonic plague · Sudden high fever and chills. · Headache. · Tiredness. · Not feeling well in general. · Weakness. · Muscle aches. · Rarely, skin sores ... [3] Jul 7, 2022 — Signs and symptoms ... People infected with plague usually develop acute febrile disease with other non-specific systemic symptoms after an ... [4] The most common sign of bubonic plague is a swollen and painful lymph gland called a bubo. Your provider may suspect plague if you have a flea bite or a bubo. [5] Symptoms include sudden onset fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal and/or back pain, and weakness. Bubonic plague includes the development of ... [6] Aug 8, 2022 — The characteristics of bubonic plague include swollen, tender lymph nodes (i.e., “bubo”) near the site of a flea bite, fever, chills, malaise, ...

Diagnostic Tests for Bubonic Plague

Bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, can be diagnosed through various tests. The following are some of the diagnostic tests used to confirm the presence of this disease:

• Blood or tissue sample tests: A healthcare provider will order blood or tissue sample tests to diagnose bubonic plague. The samples will be sent to the lab for analysis [4].
• Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT): An RDT can help prompt early diagnosis and treatment of bubonic plague. This test detects the F1 capsular antigen of Yersinia pestis, which is present in large amounts in buboes, blood, and sputum [11].
• Bacterial cultures: Bacterial cultures from blood, sputum, or lymph node aspirate specimens can be used to confirm the presence of Yersinia pestis. These cultures should be handled in a Biosafety Level 2 facility [13].
• PCR amplification: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification of the Y. pestis caf1 gene can also be used for diagnosis, compared with bacterial culture and F1 Ag detection by ELISA as reference diagnostic tests [14].

It's essential to note that a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) could help prompt early diagnosis and treatment associated with advanced illness and death, and increased disease spread if not recognized early [5].

Treatment Options for Bubonic Plague

Bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, requires prompt and effective treatment to prevent severe complications and death.

• First-line treatments: Gentamicin and fluoroquinolones are typically used as first-line treatments in the United States [1][2]. These antibiotics are essential in preventing the spread of the disease and reducing mortality rates.
• Additional options: Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of plague, including bubonic plague [3]. These antibiotics can be used as an alternative to gentamicin and fluoroquinolones.
• Other antibiotics: Streptomycin and doxycycline are also approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of plague, including bubonic plague [4].
• Antibiotic regimens: Treatment with antibiotics is essential in preventing severe complications and death. Antibiotics used to treat bubonic plague include gentamicin, fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, streptomycin, and doxycycline [5][6].

It's essential to begin appropriate therapy as soon as plague is suspected, and treatment should be done in a hospital setting [7]. Early treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce mortality rates.

References: [1] Context 1: May 15, 2024 [2] Context 6: Jun 26, 2024 [3] Context 2: Jun 17, 2024 [4] Context 5: by T Apangu · 2017 [5] Context 4: Jun 26, 2024 [6] Context 7: May 19, 2023

Differential Diagnosis of Bubonic Plague

Bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis for bubonic plague includes:

• Cat-scratch disease: A bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae, which can cause swollen lymph nodes and fever.
• Staphylococcal or streptococcal adenitis: Infections of the lymph nodes caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria.
• Tularemia: A bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis, which can cause swollen lymph nodes and fever.
• Mycobacterial infection: An infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or other mycobacteria, which can cause swollen lymph nodes and fever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the differential diagnostic possibilities for bubonic plague include cat-scratch disease, staphylococcal or streptococcal adenitis, tularemia, and mycobacterial infection [6][7].

It's essential to consider these conditions in the differential diagnosis of bubonic plague, especially when patients present with swollen lymph nodes and fever. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

[1] CDC (2023) - Bubonic Plague Causes Swelling of Lymph Nodes [4] [2] DT DENNIS (2006) - Differential diagnostic possibilities for bubonic plague include streptococcal or staphylococcal adenitis, tularemia, cat scratch disease, mycobacterial infection [7] [3] PS Mead (2011) - Differential diagnostic possibilities for bubonic plague include streptococcal or staphylococcal adenitis, tularemia, cat-scratch disease, mycobacterial infection [9] [4] CDC (2023) - Bubonic Plague Causes Swelling of Lymph Nodes [5] [5] CDC (2023) - Bubonic Plague Causes Swelling of Lymph Nodes [8] [6] CDC (2023) - Bubonic Plague Causes Swelling of Lymph Nodes [6] [7] DT DENNIS (2006) - Differential diagnostic possibilities for bubonic plague include streptococcal or staphylococcal adenitis, tularemia, cat scratch disease, mycobacterial infection [7] [8] CDC (2023) - Bubonic Plague Causes Swelling of Lymph Nodes [5] [9] PS Mead (2011) - Differential diagnostic possibilities for bubonic plague include streptococcal or staphylococcal adenitis, tularemia, cat-scratch disease, mycobacterial infection [9]