Microbiology: Yersinia pestis and the Plague

What type of bacterium is Yersinia pestis classified as?

• Gram-negative cocci

• Gram-positive bacillus

• Gram-negative bacillus

• Gram-positive cocci

Which of the following is NOT a form of plague caused by Yersinia pestis?

• Bubonic

• Pneumonic

• Gastric

• Septicemic

What is the primary symptom of the bubonic plague?

• Skin rash

• Severe headache

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Coughing blood

Which form of plague has the highest mortality rate if untreated?

• Pneumonic

• All have the same rate

• Septicemic

• Bubonic

During which historical pandemic did Yersinia pestis cause the death of 50-60% of the population in certain regions?

• Modern Plague

• Black Death

• Spanish Flu

• Plague of Justinian

What was the estimated duration of the Black Death pandemic?

• 1-2 years

• Over 100 years

• 50-60 years

• 10-20 years

Which country was the starting point of the Modern Plague in 1855?

• India

• China

• Egypt

• Italy

What is the primary treatment for Yersinia pestis infections?

• Antiviral drugs

• Antibiotics

• Surgery

• Vaccination

Which group was known for using plague-infected fleas as a biological weapon?

• Unit 731

• The Red Army

• The Knights Templar

• The CIA

What was Larry Wayne Harris arrested for in relation to Yersinia pestis?

• Unauthorized medical practice

• Smuggling antibiotics

• Mail fraud

• Possession of biological weapons