A New Vaccine Emerges

Scientists are raising the alarm about the potential emergence of an antibiotic-resistant bubonic plague strain. In response, they are developing a vaccine for this deadly disease, which has claimed the lives of millions throughout history.

The bubonic plague, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, is currently treatable with antibiotics. However, the lack of an approved vaccine poses a significant risk. The Oxford/AstraZeneca team, responsible for the successful COVID-19 vaccine, is now spearheading the development of a bubonic plague vaccine.

Their initial trial, conducted in 2021 on 40 healthy adults, demonstrated the vaccine's safety and ability to generate an immune response. This is a crucial step towards protecting against future outbreaks.

The urgency for a vaccine is underscored by the historical devastation caused by the bubonic plague. The Black Death, which ravaged Europe in the 14th century, wiped out 50% of the population, claiming an estimated 50 million lives.

Adding to the concern is the potential for the plague to evolve and develop resistance to antibiotics. Scientists have already identified antibiotic-resistant strains in Madagascar and Peru. This, coupled with the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance, makes the plague even more challenging to combat.

The bubonic plague is transmitted through fleas that contract the bacteria from rodents and then spread it to humans through bites. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Untreated, the plague can spread to other parts of the body and carries a mortality rate of 30-60%. While antibiotics can significantly reduce this rate to 1-15%, the development of a vaccine remains crucial for preventing future outbreaks and protecting public health.