Francisella tularensis infection

Fransicella tularensis is a small Gram-negative coccobacillus that circulates in small rodents, rabbits, and hares, most frequently in Scandinavia, northern North America, Japan, and Russia. Clinical presentation depends on the route of infection. Most commonly this follows the bite of an infected arthropod vector, resulting in ulceroglandular tularaemia. The most acute and life-threatening disease, respiratory or pneumonic tularaemia, arises following inhalation of infectious aerosols or dusts. The organism is highly fastidious, requiring rich media for isolation and specialized reagents for positive identification; most cases are diagnosed serologically. Treatment is with supportive care and antibiotics (usually ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or gentamicin). There is no vaccine.