Which plague form is associated with swollen lymph nodes called buboes?

Which plague form is associated with swollen lymph nodes called buboes?

• A. Bubonic
• B. Pneumonic
• C. Septicemic
• D. Tularemia

Answer: (A)

Bubonic plague is defined by the presence of swollen lymph nodes, called buboes. After infection with Yersinia pestis is introduced by a flea bite, the bacteria travel into the lymphatic system and localize in regional lymph nodes, causing painful, enlarged nodes that may become necrotic or suppurate. This lymph node involvement is the classic hallmark of this plague form. In contrast, pneumonic plague mainly affects the lungs with symptoms like fever and cough, septicemic plague involves the bloodstream without a primary lymph node swelling, and Tularemia is a different zoonotic infection not classified as plague.

Bubonic plague is defined by the presence of swollen lymph nodes, called buboes. After infection with Yersinia pestis is introduced by a flea bite, the bacteria travel into the lymphatic system and localize in regional lymph nodes, causing painful, enlarged nodes that may become necrotic or suppurate. This lymph node involvement is the classic hallmark of this plague form. In contrast, pneumonic plague mainly affects the lungs with symptoms like fever and cough, septicemic plague involves the bloodstream without a primary lymph node swelling, and Tularemia is a different zoonotic infection not classified as plague.