Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of plague

Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis and it is a systemic zoonotic infection. Humans acquire plague mainly via bites of rodent flea. The most common clinical types are bubonic septicemia, pneumonic plague. Early diagnosis and timely therapy can markedly improve patient outcomes. Aminoglycosides are preferred for treatment of plague and tetracyclines are acceptable alternative agents. Main precautions include preventing flea bites and close contact with infected animals or patients. Control measures of droplet transmission should also be taken when contacting pneumonic plague patients.