Tularemia

Introduction. 

Also called rabbit fever, this zoonotic infection is caused by Francisella tularensis, a fastidious Gram-negative coccobacillus. Its reservoir is in wild animals, but it has also been considered as a potential bioterrorism threat. F. tularensis can cause a variety of infections (skin, eye, lungs, systemic).

Summary

• Cause: Francisella tularensis
• Microscopy: Gram-negative coccobacilli
• Symptoms: Depending on site of infection: skin ulcer, pneumonia, systemic multi-organ infection
• Transmission: direct contact with wild animals (zoonotic), tick bites (vector)
• Complications: High mortality if not recognized (e.g. pneumonia and systemic)
• Pathogenesis: Intracellular pathogen, localized inflammation
• Treatment: Streptomycin