NEW VIEWPOINTS IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGY, PROPHYLAXIS AND THERAPY OF THE PLAGUE
Abstract
A review is presented of the essential aspects of the epidemiology, prevention, and therapy of plague. The great significance of resistant rodent species in the local long-term preservation of the causative agent in natural foci, is emphasized. Possibilities and ways of transmission, and the seasonal variations in the incidence of plague, are influenced by the peculiar mode of life of the base-carriers among rodents to a much greater extent as hitherto believed. The conditions for the occurrence of a malignant explosively epidemic course of the disease are discussed, pointing out the role of the human flea (Pulex irritans) in the plague process. In the case of preventive actions, the difference between immediate emergency measures and long-term prophylaxis is discussed. The first consists of disinfection and medical protection of exposed persons, the latter of preventive vaccination and rodent eradication. In preventive vaccination, vaccines from killed bacteria are again strongly propagated today. Practical procedures are individually outlined for plague therapy by sulfonamides and antibiotics, underlining the complete uselessness of penicillin.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0837589
Entities
People
- H. E. Krampitz
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories