Discussion
The bubonic plague is named after its symptoms, the bacterial infection generates painful swelling of the lymph nodes, which are called buboes. These buboes are noticeable swollen lumps that often turn gangrenous, causing pain at the site, as well as destruction of the lymph nodes. Due to the advent of antibiotics, the bubonic plague has been mostly controlled in the developed world, with no notable cases appearing in the US since 1925 (The Gale Encyclopedia of Science, 2008). Still, many …show more content…
This reaction is a typical immune response, swelling occurs in order to infiltrate the offending area with white blood cells. Failure of homeostasis causes flu-like symptoms, fever, headaches, and chills, all of which are a typical immune response. Fever can be beneficial in that it inhibits some viruses and bacteria; although as we know, Y. pestis creates toxins that disable this immune response.