Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis is a pathogenic species of Gram-negative bacteria that causes the disease tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. This bacterium is highly infectious and can be fatal. It can be spread through various routes including insect bites, direct exposure to an infected animal, ingestion of contaminated water, or inhalation of contaminated aerosols or dust particles.

Characteristics

Francisella tularensis is a small, aerobic, non-motile coccobacillus. It is a facultative intracellular bacterium often found in macrophages. It does not produce spores and is not considered to be part of the normal human flora.

Pathogenesis

The bacterium can enter the human body through the skin, eyes, mouth, throat, or lungs. Once inside the body, it multiplies in the regional lymph nodes, which can become enlarged and painful. The bacteria can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tularemia can vary depending on how the bacteria entered the body. They can include sudden fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough, progressive weakness, and ulcers at the site of infection.

Treatment

Tularemia can be effectively treated with antibiotics. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the prognosis.

Prevention

Prevention of tularemia involves avoiding exposure to the bacteria. This can be achieved by using insect repellent, wearing gloves when handling sick or dead animals, and not drinking untreated water.

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  Macrophage infected with Francisella tularensis bacteria

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  Tularemia lesion

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  Francisella tularensis