Progress against plague

This may prove useful for time-traveling medievalists (though as the article points out, plague is still very much with us):

A quick diagnostic test for plague has been produced by French scientists.

Antibiotic treatment can make all the difference if plague - still rife in some countries - is spotted swiftly so the test could potentially be a lifesaver. . .

The bacteria involved, Yersinia pestis, could also possibly be used as a biological weapon. . .

There is currently no vaccine for plague, although several research projects are closing in on one. . .

The researchers from the Institut Pasteur developed their test and used it to help tackle an outbreak of hundreds of cases in Madagascar.

Posted by David on January 16, 2003 10:08 PM