How Long Can Plague Bacteria Survive in Soil?
Author Information
Author(s): Rebecca J. Eisen, Jeannine M. Petersen, Charles L. Higgins, David Wong, Craig E. Levy, Paul S. Mead, Martin E. Schriefer, Kenneth L. Gage, C. Ben Beard
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
How does Yersinia pestis persist in soil under natural conditions?
Conclusion
Yersinia pestis can survive for at least 24 days in contaminated soil under natural conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Yersinia pestis can survive for at least 24 days in contaminated soil.
- The study was part of an investigation into a fatal human plague case.
- Samples were collected from a site where a mountain lion carcass was found.
Takeaway
Scientists found that the plague bacteria can live in the dirt for a long time, which helps us understand how it spreads.
Methodology
Soil samples were collected from a contaminated site and tested for the presence of Yersinia pestis using mouse inoculation and culture methods.
Limitations
The study does not determine the maximum time Y. pestis can persist in soil or whether the contaminated soil is infectious.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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