Plague blood refers to the presence and multiplication of plague bacteria in the bloodstream, characteristic of septicemic plague.
Understanding Septicemic Plague
Septicemic plague is a severe form of the plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The reference material clarifies that:
Septicemic plague occurs when plague bacteria multiply in the blood.
This condition can manifest in a couple of ways:
- As a complication of pneumonic or bubonic plague.
- As a primary infection, occurring in the same way as bubonic plague but without the development of buboes (swollen lymph nodes).
Characteristics of Septicemic Plague
Here's a breakdown of key characteristics:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause | Multiplication of Yersinia pestis bacteria in the bloodstream. |
| Forms | Primary infection or complication of other plague types. |
| Buboes | May or may not be present, depending on whether it develops alone or as a complication. |
| Transmission | Same as bubonic plague when it occurs alone. |
How One Gets Septicemic Plague
When septicemic plague occurs alone, it shares the same transmission methods as bubonic plague. However, critically, buboes do not develop in this scenario.
