Statement of the Illness/Disease

Bubonic plague, caused by bacterium, swept through Europe in late 1340's which killed a large number of people. This mean that who ever got affected would soon die. A third of the world’s population died because of the plague. Bubonic plague is a bacterial infection that begins to multiply. Some effects of the plague are: abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea (may be bloody), tiny broken blood vessels, nausea, and buboes. It affects many parts of the body such as the skin and lungs. Since the plague affects the lungs it’s hard for the victim to breathe and eat. Furthermore, this means it affects the respiratory system.

Normal Function of the organ affected

~Our lungs give us oxygen, the body's life-sustaining gas. The lungs breathe in air, then extract the oxygen and pass it into the bloodstream, where it's rushed off to the tissues and organs that require it to function.

~Oxygen drives the process of respiration, which provides our cells with energy. Oxygen enters the respiratory system through the nose and the mouth. Afterward it passes through the larynx. The larynx is where speech sound is produced.

~The trachea tube enters the chest cavity. The trachea then splits into two smaller tubes called the bronchi. When it divides again the bronchial tubes are form. They lead to the lungs then divide again into smaller tubes which connect to alveoli.

~The oxygen you breathe in passes into the alveoli. Followed by, diffusing through the capillaries into the arterial blood. The waste rich blood from the veins releases its carbon dioxide into the alveoli.

~The carbon dioxide does the same thing out of the lungs when you exhale. The diaphragm’s job is to help pump the carbon dioxide out of the lungs and pull the oxygen into the lungs.

~The lungs produce a sticky fluid that is mucus, which can trap inhaled agents and assist the lungs protective white blood cells in the engulfment and obliteration of bacteria and other harmful materials. The white blood cells are called macrophages and neutrophils Coughing is the best way to clear mucus and other materials from the lungs.

Definition of Disease

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  The bubonic plague is caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. This bacteria has a quality called facultative anaerobic. Yersinia pestis can be found in rats, cats, and other animals.



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  During 14th century in Europe if you caught the plague you would die within a week of being bitten from an infected flea.



• Some symptoms are: breathing difficulties, coughing up blood, buboes, abdominal pain, and meningitis may occur.



• Buboes are inflamed; tender swelling of a lymph node, especially in the area of the armpit or groin.



• Buboes begin as red spots on the skin then turn black. After turning black it splits open and starts oozing pus and blood.



• The plague can also cause delirium which means confusion, disorientation, and restlessness.

Treatment

• Antibiotics are used as treatment such as streptomycin and gentamycin.
• The patient is put in isolation in a hospital even before knowing the results of the blood tests.
• Without treatment the bacteria can multiply into the blood stream and lead to the lungs.
• Doctor’s chose treatment based on the patient’s medical history and how severe the disease is.
• Other treatments were based on the symptoms the patient has.
  

Conclusion

• The bubonic plague should be prevented by a vaccine.
• If the plague reappears and there is no control the population, as in Europe, will decrease dramatically.
• Common causes for the spread of the plague are fleas. Some one should talk to veterinarians to come up with a product that will guarantee to rid pets from fleas.
• Removing potential habitats for rodents near their homes well decrease the chance of rodent infestation.

References

1. Nutton, Vivian. Pestilential Complexities: Understanding Medieval Plague. Tavistock Square, London: BMJ Publishing Group, 2008.

2. Scott, Susan, and Cristopher J. Duncan. Biology of Plagues: Evidence from Historical Populations. Cambridge: The Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 2001.

3. "eMedTV ". Clinaero, Inc. 7-20-09
http://plague.emedtv.com/bubonic-plague/effects-of-the-bubonic-plague.html

4. Kugler, Mary . "Bubonic Plague". About. 7-21-09
http://rarediseases.about.com/cs/bubonicplague/a/111602.htm

5. "Bubonic plague". WD. 7-22-09
http: //www.wrongdiagnosis.com/b/bubonic_plague/intro.htm