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Diagnosing Plague

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Examination by fluorescent antibody (FA) test or antigen capture ELISA is the most specific diagnostic test for plague.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests can also be used to diagnose plague but may not be widely available.

Diagnosis is confirmed by culture and identification of the causal organism from exudates aspirated from buboes, from blood, CSF or sputum, or by a four-fold or greater rise or fall in antibody titre.

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