Tularemia

Definition

Tularemia is a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. It primarily affects the skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and lungs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for tularemia.
2. Tularemia can be transmitted through insect bites, direct contact with infected animals, ingestion of contaminated water or food, and inhalation of aerosols.
3. Symptoms can vary based on infection route but commonly include fever, ulceration at the site of infection, and swollen lymph nodes.
4. The disease is often diagnosed via serological tests or PCR to detect F. tularensis DNA.
5. Streptomycin is the preferred antibiotic treatment for tularemia, although gentamicin and doxycycline are also effective.

Review Questions

Related terms

Zoonosis:

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Lymphadenopathy:

Swelling of the lymph nodes.

Gram-negative bacteria: Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in Gram staining and have a characteristic cell wall structure.