How Bacteria Enter the Bloodstream
Once the lymph nodes are colonized by bacteria, the next step is for them to enter the bloodstream. However, the exact mechanism of this process is still not fully understood by researchers. There are a couple of theories that attempt to explain how bacteria make their way into the blood vessels.
One theory suggests that bacteria may travel through the lymphatic system, eventually draining into the subclavian vein. This vein is responsible for returning blood from the upper body back to the heart. It is possible that the bacteria utilize this route to enter the bloodstream.
Another theory proposes that the bacteria remain within the lymph node until it ruptures. Once the lymph node ruptures, the bacteria have an opportunity to migrate into the surrounding blood vessels, gaining access to the bloodstream.
While the exact mechanism remains uncertain, further research is being conducted to shed light on how bacteria manage to enter the bloodstream after colonizing the lymph nodes.
Symptoms of Bubonic Plague
When a person is exposed to the bubonic plague, the symptoms typically emerge suddenly within two to five days. These symptoms include fever, chills, malaise, muscle pain, headaches, seizures, and the presence of smooth and painful swollen lymph nodes. The specific lymph nodes that swell will vary depending on the location of the flea bite. While the lymph nodes in the groin are most commonly affected, swelling can also occur in the armpits or neck.