Yersinia pestis: Plague

Abstract

OrganismLaboratory category Transmissible by aerosol Yersinia pestis BSL-3 Yes Recommended Respiratory ProtectionRespiratory protection is highly advisable to provide respiratory protection against droplet transmission. A filtering facepiece (FFP3) mask or a positively ventilated mask attached to a FFP3 filter is recommended to avoid an infection via respiratory route. Similarly, eye protection is advisable. Recommended Personal Protective EquipmentAs for other BSL-3 pathogens, a laboratory coat, surgical gown (open-backed), with high collar, cuffed sleeves, closing on high-sleeved gloves together with double laboratory gloves should be used. The laboratory gown and gloves should always be changed when moving between laboratory areas. Best Disinfection Surface and EquipmentY. pestis is fragile and does not survive for long periods outside a host. It is readily destroyed by desiccation or by the action of common disinfectants, namely sodium hypochlorite 1%, ethanol 70%, glutaraldehyde 2%, iodine-based agents, and germicidal solutions that contain phenol, formaldehyde, and quaternary ammonium compounds [1]. Y. pestis is susceptible to inactivation by sunlight, by moist heat (121 • C for at least 15 min), or dry heat (160-170 • C for at least 1 h).

Foodborne Bacteria: Potential Bioterrorism Agents

“…Natural reservoirs are wild and synanthropic rodents, which are infected by fleas bites. People are usually accidental hosts but are extremely sensitive to the infection [15].…”