title: Plague Pneumonia.
abstract: Yersinia pestis is a gram-negative bacillus that can cause pneumonia if inhaled. Secondary person-to-person spread of infection can develop. Aerosolization of this organism as a weapon of biological terror could potentially cause many thousands of casualties, mass social disruption, and widespread fear. Plague pneumonia is treatable if recognized early but still carries a 50% to 60% mortality rate. Delay in therapy is associated with 100% mortality rates. Prophylaxis of exposed persons with oral antibiotics is indicated. There is no protective vaccine currently available.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, 2401 W. Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA. JGRADON@LIFEBRIDGEHEALTH.ORG
authors.forename: Jeremy David
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Gradon