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Which antibiotics have been used to treat plague?
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plague
Image depicting victims of the sixth biblical plague.
The treatment of plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, was revolutionized by the introduction of antibiotics in the 20th century. The use of these medications, which began with sulfonamides in the 1930s, has significantly reduced the fatality rate of the disease.12
Today, infection with Y. pestis is primarily treated with several effective antibiotics, including:
- Streptomycin134
- Gentamicin134
- Doxycycline135
- Ciprofloxacin135
These treatments are most effective when administered early in the course of the infection. In addition to antibiotic therapy, patients may receive supportive care, such as fluids and oxygen, to manage symptoms and complications. Prompt medical intervention is critical, as untreated cases of plague can be severe or fatal.354