Investigation of plague F1 antibody level in serum of survivors suffered from bacterial warfare during anti Japanese war

Objective To provide biological evidence to confirm that the plague outbreaks in the history of Lishui were caused by Japanese bacterial warfare through analyzing the epidemiological data and detection of F1 antibody of the survivors. Methods Thirty six plague survivors of Japanese bacterial warfare were found by retrieving archive records. Retrospective epidemiological survey was conducted among the survivors and blood samples were taken from them to detect plague F1 antibody. Results More than 70 years later, high titer F1 antibody could be still detected from 25% of the diagnosed plague survivors. Conclusion A severely contaminated area was left behind in Lishui after Japanese bacterial warfare, which posed serious potential health risk for local people for a long period.