Bubonic plague differential diagnosis

Jump to navigation Jump to search

There are many diseases that resemble the basic signs and symptoms of bubonic plague. Since bubonic plague has the ability to kill the majority of a population, it is an extremely concerning diagnosis. It is very important to check for these other diseases before a final diagnosis of bubonic plague is made. There are many other bacterial infections that could be mistaken for the bubonic plague.

Differentiating Bubonic Plague from other Diseases

Bubonic Plague

  • Cat scratch fever (Bartonella henselae)
    • History of contact with cats; usually history of cat scratch.
    • Indolent clinical course; progresses over weeks.
    • Primary lesion at site of scratch often present (small papule, vesicle).
    • Systemic toxicity not present.
  • Chancroid (Hemophilus ducreyi)
    • Adenitis occurs in the inguinal region.
    • Ulcerative lesion present.
    • Systemic symptoms uncommon; toxicity does not occur.
  • Primary genital herpes
    • Herpes lesions present in genital area.
    • Adenitis occurs in the inguinal region.
    • Although patients may be ill (fever, headache), severe systemic toxicity not present.
  • Strangulated inguinal hernias
    • Evidence of bowel involvement.

References


Template:WikiDoc Sources