GLANDULAR PLAGUE

Overview and Facts

Glandular plague is a severe type of bacterial infection that is commonly spread by fleas. Small rodents, which are most frequently found in rural and semi-rural parts of Asia, Africa, and the United States, are habitat to the plague-causing organism Yersinia pestis. When people handle infected animals or are attacked by fleas that have eaten infected rats, the virus is spread to humans.

Currently, less than 5,000 individuals worldwide contract the plague each year, which was once known as the “Black Death” during the Middle Ages. If antibiotics are not administered right away, it could be fatal. The most typical type of plague causes sore and swollen lymph nodes, known as buboes, in the armpit, neck, and groin. The most deadly and uncommon variety of plague affects the lungs and is contagious.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

  • Septicemic plague
  • Bubonic plague
  • Pneumonic plague

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of glandular plague depends on the type and which part of the body is affected. 

Septicemic Plague

  • Chills and fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Shock
  • Bleeding from the nose, mouth, under the skin or rectum

Bubonic Plague

  • Located in the groin, armpit or necktouch
  • Firm and tender to touch
  • Equivalent to a size of chicken egg

Other indications and symptoms of the bubonic include:

  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Sudden onset of fever and chills
  • Malaise or fatigue

Pneumonic Plague

  • Headache
  • Cough with blood
  • High fever
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Difficult breathing
  • Weakness 

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor may check samples taken from you if they have any grounds to suppose you may have glandular plague by looking for the Yersinia pestis bacteria.

  • Blood. Only if you have septicemic plague will Yersinia pestis bacteria typically be found in your bloodstream.
  • Buboes. Your physician might insert a needle into your enlarged lymph nodes (buboes), which are typical of the bubonic plague, to draw a fluid sample.
  • Lungs. Using a tiny, flexible tube placed via your mouth or nose and down your throat, your physician will collect mucus or fluid from your air passages to test for pneumonic plague.

TREATMENT

You must be hospitalized as soon as your doctor has a suspicion that you have glandular plague. Strong antibiotics, including the following, will be given to you.

  • Levofloxacin
  • Gentamicin
  • Chloramphenicol
  • Doxycycline
  • Moxifloxacin

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