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NC Department of Health and Human Services
State Laboratory of Public Health
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Bioterrorism - Agents of Concern

Yersinia pestis

Yersinia Pestis Colonies

Colony Characteristics

  • Grows well on most non-selective standard lab media.
  • Pinpoint gray/white, non-hemolytic at 24 hours. Typical enteric colony growth by 48 hours. After 48 hours appears gray/white and yellow with a "fried egg" appearance.
  • Appears as small non-lactose fermenting colonies on MacConkey agar.
  • In enriched broth such as BHI, undisturbed growth appears flocculent.
Petis on Horse Blood Agar 48hrs
Y. pestis on Horse Blood Agar @48 hrs
Petis on Horse Blood Agar 72hours
Y. pestis on Horse Blood Agar @72 hrs
Petis on Sheep Blood Agar 48hours
Y. pestis on Sheep Blood Agar @48 hrs
 Petis on MacConkey 72 hours
Y. pestis on MacConkey Blood Agar @72 hrs

Microscopic

Yersinia Pestis Microscopic

  • Plump gram negative rod.
  • Commonly displays bipolar staining resembling safety pins.

Oxidase Negative
Non-Motile at Room Temperature
Catalase Positive

Refer to the ASM Sentinel Level Clinical Guidelines. If Yersinia pestis cannot be ruled out, contact the BTEP Unit Duty Phone 24/7 at (919) 807-8600.


SLPH Bioterrorism Information


 

NCDHHS

Updated: August 5, 2026