title: Immunohistochemical detection of Yersinia pestis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.
abstract: Yersinia pestis infection usually is limited to lymph nodes (bubo); rarely, if bacteria are aerosolized, pneumonic plague occurs. We developed an immunohistochemical assay using a monoclonal anti-fraction 1 Y pestis antibody for formalin-fixed tissues. We studied 6 cases using this technique. Respiratory symptoms were prominent in 2 cases; histologically, one showed intra-alveolar inflammation, and the other had alveolar hemorrhage and edema. By using the immunohistochemical assay, we found intact Yersinia and granular bacterial antigen staining in alveoli, bronchi, and blood vessels. Of the remaining cases, 2 had septicemia and 2 had a bubo. Pathologic changes included lymphocyte depletion, necrosis, edema, and foamy macrophages in lymph nodes; multiple abscesses in the spleen; fibrin thrombi in glomeruli; and unremarkable lungs. By using the immunohistochemical assay, we identified intact bacteria inside monocytes and granular antigen staining in blood vessels. The immunohistochemical assay provided a fast, nonhazardous method for diagnosing plague. The immunohistochemical assay localizes bacteria, retaining tissue morphologic features, and can help define transmission mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
authors.forename: Jeannette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guarner
authors.forename: Wun-Ju
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Shieh
authors.forename: Patricia W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Greer
authors.forename: Jean-Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gabastou
authors.forename: May
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Kurt B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Nolte
authors.forename: Sherif R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Zaki
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D002196:Capillaries / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000382:microbiology; D008168:Lung / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000382:microbiology; D010930:Plague / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D013154:Spleen / Q000382:microbiology; D015010:Yersinia pestis / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal