Francisella tularensis
Francisella tularensis
Francisella tularensis (pronunciation: fran-sis-ella too-luh-ren-sis) is a pathogenic species of Gram-negative bacteria that causes the infectious disease tularemia, also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever.
Etymology
The bacterium is named after Tulare County, California, where it was discovered in 1911. The genus Francisella is named in honor of Edward Francis, an American bacteriologist who first isolated the bacterium.
Description
Francisella tularensis is a small, aerobic, non-motile coccobacillus. It is one of the most infectious pathogenic bacteria known, requiring less than 10 organisms to cause disease. The bacterium is capable of surviving for weeks at low temperatures in water, moist soil, hay, straw, or decaying animal carcasses.
Pathogenesis
Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia, a serious infectious disease that affects humans and many species of animals. The bacterium is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, by arthropod vectors such as ticks and deer flies, or by inhalation of contaminated dust or aerosols.
Subspecies
There are four subspecies of Francisella tularensis, each differing in virulence and geographical distribution:
- Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis (Type A)
- Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica (Type B)
- Francisella tularensis subsp. mediasiatica
- Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida
Treatment
Treatment of tularemia involves antibiotics such as streptomycin, gentamicin, or doxycycline. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe illness or death.
Prevention
Prevention of tularemia involves avoiding contact with infected animals, using insect repellent to prevent tick and deer fly bites, and wearing gloves when handling or skinning potentially infected animals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Francisella tularensis
- Wikipedia's article - Francisella tularensis
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