Yersinia pestis

Valeria Fabre, M.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

  • Aerobic, Gram-negative bipolar rod ("safety pin" appearance upon staining, Giemsa preferred, [Fig]). Member of the Enterobacteriaceae family.
  • Agent of plague. Must warn lab of suspicion.
  • Grows on standard media.
  • Culture at 28° and 35°C.
  • May take up to 6 days to identify.

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Last updated: October 10, 2021