How Do You Spell SEPTICEMIC PLAGUE?

1. Septicemic plague, also known as septicemic plague syndrome, is a severe and rare infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, the same bacteria responsible for bubonic plague and pneumonic plague. It is the deadliest form of the plague and occurs when the bacteria multiply in the bloodstream, leading to a systemic infection.

   Infection typically occurs through the bite of infected fleas or by direct contact with bodily fluids or tissues of infected animals. Once the bacteria enter the body, they rapidly multiply, causing an overwhelming immune response and disseminating throughout the bloodstream. The presence of Y. pestis in the blood disrupts normal immune function, leading to the destruction of blood vessels and vital organs.

   Symptoms of septicemic plague may include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, rapid heartbeat, abdominal pain, bleeding under the skin, and the formation of blackened areas of dead tissue (gangrene). Unlike other forms of the plague, septicemic plague does not usually cause the characteristic swollen and painful lymph nodes.

   If left untreated, septicemic plague can rapidly progress and result in life-threatening complications, such as septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms suggestive of plague occur, as early treatment with appropriate antibiotics can greatly improve the chances of survival.

   Prevention of septicemic plague involves reducing exposure to fleas, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing in plague-endemic areas, and avoiding contact with sick or dead animals.

2. Pestis siderans, a generally fatal form in which there is an intense bacteriemia with symptoms of profound toxemia.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SEPTICEMIC PLAGUE

The word "septicemic" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "septicus" meaning putrefying or infected and "emia" meaning blood.

The term "plague" originates from the Latin word "plaga", which means a blow, wound, or stroke. It was later associated with the epidemic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.

Therefore, "septicemic plague" refers to a specific form of the bubonic plague, characterized by the presence of Yersinia pestis bacteria in the bloodstream, leading to a severe infection.