Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Yersina pestis is the causative agent of the infectious disease classically referred to as the plague. Wild rodents, especially ground squirrels and prairie dogs, are the natural reservoir of the organism. The organism can occasionally be transmitted to people who are bitten by an infected animal or infected fleas that feed on those animals. Currently, Y. pestis-infected rodents are present on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Plague is endemic in animals inmany countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia and sporadic infections occur, at varying rates, in humans. In 2003, nine countries reported 2118 cases and 182 deaths from plague: 99% of those cases and deaths were reported from Africa.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
