Black Death of the Middle Ages is caused by the bacillus Yersinia pestis, andthough simple enough to treat now with streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolones, often requires hospitalization for circulatory, pulmonary orrenal support.
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When symptoms of bubonic or pneumonic infection occur, it is a good idea to receive treatment quickly as the septicemic toxicity isquite high due to the accelerated bacillus replication rates athuman endothermic temperatures.
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Antibiotics within the first 24 hours ismost beneficial, although IV is recommendedwhen the bacillus replication has reached highertoxic levels, or begins effecting the lungs.