Recent research published in Science reveals that a genetic alteration in the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis has led to a form that is less deadly yet may spread more efficiently. The study found that strains of Y. pestis with decreased expression of the gene pla resulted in a reduced mortality rate in mice models. These findings not only highlight an evolutionary change in the bacterium but also indicate its potential adaptability and need for monitoring, given its continued presence and transmission risk in certain regions worldwide.
The small genetic change within Yersinia pestis makes the bacterium less fatal yet potentially more transmissible, suggesting a paradoxical evolution of a pandemic pathogen.
This study highlights how a pandemic-causing pathogen has independently evolved to cause a slightly weaker form of the disease, potentially allowing broader spread.
Mice infected with a reduced-pla strain of Y. pestis had a mortality rate of 85%, compared to 100% with the normal strain, indicating lesser lethality.
Historical analysis shows that between 30% and 50% of ancient strains of Y. pestis exhibited some level of pla gene depletion, showcasing evolutionary changes.
Collection
[
|
...
]