Epidemiological investigation of animal plague in Microtus brandti plague foci in China——discovery of Mongolian gerbil plague / 中华地方病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate epidemiological characteristics of animal plague in Microtus brandti plague foci in China from 2005-2013,and to found the reason for cross epidemic of Microtus brandti and Mongolian gerbil plague.Methods Totally 135 Yesinia pestis (Y.pestis) were isolated in Microtus brandti plague foci from 2005 to 2013.According to the typing method of Y.pestis and The Criteria of Plague Natural Foci and Animal Plague Epidemic(GB 16883-1997),bacteria type was identified using biochemical tests and sugar alcohols glycolysis test.Monitoring reports of the plague epidemic situation in Abag Banner,Xilinhot,Sonid left Banner,Xi Ujimqin Banner,Dong Ujimqin Banner,Inner Mongolia were collected.The epidemiological distribution of animal plague in Microtus brandti plague foci was analyzed.Results In 135 strains tested which were isolated from 2005-2007 and 2010,128 strains were fermented farinose,unfermented rhamnose; and 7 strains were fermented rhamnose,unfermented arabinose in 2008.According to the types of Microtus brandti Y.pestis (fermented rhamnose,unfermented arainose) and Mongolian gerbil Y.pestis (fermented arainose,unfermented rhamnose),Microtus brandti plague was identified in the epidemic in Xilinhot and Dong Ujimqin Banner in 2008.The Mongolian gerbil plague was epidemic in Abag Banner,Xilinhot and Xi Ujimqin Banner in2005-2007 and 2010.Conclusions In 2005,Mongolian gerbil type of Y.pestis is first isolated in Abag Banner,Xilinhot and Xi Ujimqin Banner.It is confirmed a newly discovered Mongolian gerbil plague foci.Abag Banner,Xilinhot,Sonid left Banner,Xi Ujimqin Banner and Dong Ujimqin Banner are Microtus brandti plague foci,only Dong Ujimqin Banner is Microtus brandti plague foci,others are two types of Microtus brandti and Mongolian gerbil plague foci.Since 2005,new epidemic situation is found,the Microtus brandti plague foci is becoming complex.It is a serious threat to human being.We must further strengthen the research and prevention in future.