Tag #Virulence

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theglobeandmail.com

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May 31, 01:10

Genetic Mutation Allowed Black Death to Persist for Centuries

A new study published in Science reveals that the deletion of the pla gene in Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague, reduced its virulence, allowing it to persist for centuries after the initial Black Death outbreak by modifying transmission dynamics within a decimated rodent pop...

Genetic Mutation Allowed Black Death to Persist for Centuries

A new study published in Science reveals that the deletion of the pla gene in Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague, reduced its virulence, allowing it to persist for centuries after the initial Black Death outbreak by modifying transmission dynamics within a decimated rodent pop...

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What specific genetic change in Yersinia pestis allowed the Black Death to persist for centuries after its initial outbreak?

A new study has identified a genetic mutation in Yersinia pestis, the bacterium causing the plague, that reduced its virulence. This mutation, a deletion of the pla gene, allowed the plague to persist for centuries after the initial Black Death pandemic. The findings were published in the journal Science.

dailymail.co.uk

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May 30, 13:14

Gene Mutation Extended Black Death Pandemic Duration

Research reveals a single gene mutation in Yersinia pestis enabled the bacterium to cause three pandemics over a millennium by evolving to become less deadly, increasing transmission opportunities.

Gene Mutation Extended Black Death Pandemic Duration

Research reveals a single gene mutation in Yersinia pestis enabled the bacterium to cause three pandemics over a millennium by evolving to become less deadly, increasing transmission opportunities.

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How did the virulence of Yersinia pestis change across the three major plague pandemics, and what impact did this have on the length and spread of these outbreaks?

Researchers studied Yersinia pestis samples from three major plague outbreaks—the Plague of Justinian, the Black Death, and the modern pandemic. They found that in each case, the bacteria evolved to become less lethal over time, enabling prolonged spread. This contrasts with the assumption that higher virulence is always more advantageous for a pathogen.

elpais.com

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May 30, 01:12

Yersinia Pestis: Less Virulence, More Lethality

A new study reveals that Yersinia pestis, the bacterium behind three major plagues, evolved to become less virulent over centuries, paradoxically increasing its overall lethality by prolonging transmission among dwindling rat populations and ultimately killing more people; this discovery has signifi...

Yersinia Pestis: Less Virulence, More Lethality

A new study reveals that Yersinia pestis, the bacterium behind three major plagues, evolved to become less virulent over centuries, paradoxically increasing its overall lethality by prolonging transmission among dwindling rat populations and ultimately killing more people; this discovery has signifi...

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What specific genetic mechanism allowed Yersinia pestis to persist and spread even as its virulence decreased?

Analysis of Yersinia pestis DNA from plague victims revealed a decrease in the number of copies of the 'pla' gene over time, correlating with reduced virulence in mouse experiments. This suggests that natural selection favored less lethal strains during periods of reduced rat populations, allowing the bacteria to persist and spread among fragmented populations.

Showing 1 to 3 of 3 results