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PubMed1978

[Exploration of natural foci of tularemia and plague in Armenia using the serological examination of bird droppings and excrements of predatory mammals].

Forty strains of tularemia and 619 of plague microbes were isolated in 1974 in bacteriological examination of natural plague and tularemia foci from a great number of small mammals and their ectoparasites. At the same time in serological examination (in the antibody neutralization test) of bird pellets, 52 mummified cadavers, and 34 excretion samples of mammalian beasts of prey collected in Armenia (its central and North-Western part) in 1973 the antigen of tularemia microbe was revealed in 73, 8, and 3, and of plagye--in 42, 5, and 1 cases, respectively. In one of the sites examined the number of positive findings failed to exceed 10--17%, this indicating a low intensity of the epizootic in the majority of the places. Judging by the mean titres of the serological test, which varied from 1:12 to 1:1428 in examination for tularemia and from 1:12 to 1428 in examination for plague, it was possible to detect both epizootics coursing during the examination, and those which occurred several monts ago. Tularemia and plague foci were not infrequently present at the same territories, and these diseases could involve the same individual animals of Microtus arvalis (Pall.). The data obtained pointed to the greater effectiveness of examination of bird's pellets and excretions of mammalian beasts of prey for the reconnaisance investigation of the natural foci of plague and tularemia in comparison with the bacteriological methods applied usually.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Tularemia transmitted by insect bites--Wyoming, 2001-2003.

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, a fastidious, gram-negative coccobacillus that infects vertebrates, especially rabbits and rodents. In humans, tularemia is classified into six major syndromes: ulceroglandular (the most common form), glandular, typhoidal, oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, and pneumonic. The case-fatality rate among humans can reach 30%-60% in untreated typhoidal cases. Although bites from ticks and handling infected animals are considered the most common modes of tularemia transmission in the United States, the disease also is spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation, and insect bites. During 2001-2003, Wyoming experienced an increase in reported human cases of tularemia. This report describes the subsequent investigation by the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH), which indicated that 1) insect bites (particularly from deerflies and other horseflies) were the most commonly reported likely mode of transmission, and 2) the increase in cases was geographically and temporally associated with an outbreak of tularemia among rabbits in southwestern Wyoming. To obtain a timely diagnosis and provide information on appropriate preventive measures, health-care providers and public health officials should have knowledge of the local epidemiology of tularemia, particularly regarding modes of transmission and resultant clinical syndromes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Tularemia in otolaryngologic practice. An analysis of 127 cases.

Ulceroglandular, glandular, and oropharyngeal forms of tularemia may occur in otolaryngologic patients, frequently causing diagnostic difficulties. A retrospective analysis of 127 patients with serologically proved tularemia in the head and neck region is presented with special reference to diagnostic difficulties. Short case reports of six patients are included. Difficulties seemed to appear especially in the diagnosis of glandular tularemia. Oropharyngeal tularemia is easily confused with infectious mononucleosis. A high degree of suspicion of tularemia is recommended in endemic areas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

A case of tularemia presenting as a dental abscess: case report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to present a tularemia case accompanied by a neck mass that easily may be confounded with dental abscess. SUMMARY: Francisella tularensis is a potential agent of biologic terrorism. Thirty percent of the symptoms seen in tularemia localize in the head and neck region and are sometimes mistaken for complications of a dental abscess. To our knowledge, reports of the differential diagnostic characteristics of tularemia are lacking in the dental literature and, to date, no dental journal articles have focused on the disease. In this present case, a 51-year-old woman arrived at the public health department with high fever and facial swelling. The findings suggested a dental origin and the patient was directed to dentistry. Radiology and a detailed intraoral and extraoral examination failed to reveal a dental problem. Fortunately, the patient was known to come from a tularemia region; with the suspicion of tularemia the patient was referred to the faculty of medicine. Serologic tests showed that the patient had a Francisella tularensis infection.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1986

Bronchial changes in airborne tularemia.

We describe seven typhoidal tularemia patients without ulcers or lymphadenopathy, who underwent diagnostic bronchoscopy. Four patients had had obvious airborne exposure to F. tularensis during farming activities, and the remaining three had respiratory symptoms also. Bronchoscopical findings were pathological in all cases, varying from local to diffuse haemorrhagic inflammation; in one case a granulomatous tumour was seen. Early histopathological changes in three biopsies consisted of haemorrhagic oedema progressing to a non-specific inflammatory reaction, which could still be found 45 days after the onset of symptoms. Granulomatous inflammation, indistinguishable from tuberculosis or sarcoidosis, was seen in four biopsies from two patients, three to seven months after the onset. Most patients had radiographic hilar enlargement. We conclude that transmission of typhoid tularemia usually occurs through inhalation leading to bronchial changes, which correspond skin ulcerations in ulcero-glandular tularemia, the hilar enlargement corresponding to the lymph node component. We emphasize that usage of the term 'typhoidal' tularemia should be discontinued. Instead, tularemia transmitted through inhalation should be called pulmonary or respiratory.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Acute glaucoma and acute corneal oedema in association with tularemia.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical course of oculoglandular tularemia with acute glaucoma and corneal oedema. METHODS: Clinical course, results of laboratory assays and treatment of oculoglandular tularemia in a 58-year-old woman. RESULTS: The patient had acute glaucoma and corneal oedema in connection with acute tularemia. At the onset of the disease she had a fever (39 degrees C), pains in her muscles and in her right eye. The intraocular pressure, which was 68 mmHg at the beginning was lowered with intravenous and per oral acetatcolamide together with timolol and pilocarpine eyedrops, and because of a narrow anterior chamber, with subsequent laser iridotomies. The tularemia was treated with ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily for ten days. Vision was finger counting at the beginning of the disease. The corneal oedema gradually subsided and vision normalized during the two-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Oculoglandular tularemia was connected with acute glaucoma and corneal oedema.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1988

Agglutinins and antibodies to Francisella tularensis outer membrane antigens in the early diagnosis of disease during an outbreak of tularemia.

Tularemia was diagnosed in 57 patients during an outbreak in central Norway in 1984 and 1985. Clinical categories of the disease showed seasonal variations. A bacterial microagglutination test and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with class-specific antibodies against Francisella tularensis outer membrane (OM) antigens were evaluated for the early diagnosis of tularemia. ELISA with immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, or IgM antibodies and the microagglutination test differed only marginally in diagnostic sensitivity. The OM preparation harbored F. tularensis agglutinogens and contained a variety of proteins, several of which functioned as immunogens in tularemia patients, as shown by Western blotting (immunoblotting). All 12 patients tested produced antibodies against a 43,000-molecular-weight OM protein. Individual variation was noted with regard to antibody response against other OM antigens. The OM is a suitable antigen preparation in ELISA for the diagnosis of tularemia and, presumably, contains antigens important in the immunobiology of tularemia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Detection of Francisella tularensis in ulcers of patients with tularemia by PCR.

The diagnosis of human cases of tularemia is usually confirmed by the demonstration of an antibody response to Francisella tularensis, which occurs about 2 weeks after the onset of disease. Due to a high risk of infection in the laboratory, cultivation of the causative agent tends to be avoided. During an outbreak in Sweden, the use of PCR for diagnosing the ulceroglandular form of tularemia was evaluated. Extraction and preparation of F. tularensis DNA from swab samples from the wounds of patients with tularemia involved the use of the nuclease inhibitor guanidine thiocyanate. The DNA was detected by multiplex PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene and a 17-kDa lipoprotein gene of F. tularensis. In 29 of 40 (73%) patients with serologically confirmed tularemia, F. tularensis DNA was successfully amplified. Considering the limitations of current diagnostic procedures, PCR may become useful for the early diagnosis of tularemia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Tularemia--United States, 1990-2000.

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by the gram-negative coccobacillus Francisella tularensis. Known also as "rabbit fever" and "deer fly fever," tularemia was first described in the United States in 1911 and has been reported from all states except Hawaii. Tularemia was removed from the list of nationally notifiable diseases in 1994, but increased concern about potential use of F. tularensis as a biological weapon led to its reinstatement in 2000. This report summarizes tularemia cases reported to CDC during 1990-2000, which indicate a low level of natural transmission. Understanding the epidemiology of tularemia in the United States enables clinicians and public health practitioners to recognize unusual patterns of disease occurrence that might signal an outbreak or a bioterrorism event.

Humans↗
PubMed2002

Tularemia. A pathogen in nature and a biological weapon.

Tularemia as a potential biological weapon is of great concern because F. tularensis is a hardy organism that can be spread with a small inoculum. In addition, tularemia can be contracted through nature, predominately in rural areas. This disease can be spread by a wide variety of animals and can range from skin lesions to multi-organ involvement. The severity varies with amount of inocula, the virulence of the bacterium, and the port of entry. Exposure to aerosolized forms of F. tularensis, the major concern with bioterroism, can rapidly lead to respiratory failure and death. Untreated, other forms of tularemia can spread through the blood stream to other organs, leading to sepsis and death. Early recognition and treatment is tantamount to treatment and prevention of morbidity and mortality. Occupational health nurses are on the front line and must be assertive in identifying risk factors associated with exposure. Furthermore, education of the general population about exposure through nature can potentially decrease the incidence of tularemia. Occupational health nurses, as one of the largest health specialties in the workplace, may be the first contact for the exposed individual. Tularemia is treatable with knowledge of prevention, astute assessment, prompt identification, and treatment. Combined, they are powerful nursing tools in achieving optimal outcomes.

Bioterrorism↗
PubMed1985

Tularemia in adults and children: a changing presentation.

Tularemia, a febrile zoonosis with six clinical types, recently has been shown to occur at an increased incidence in children compared with previous reports. Ulceroglandular and glandular tularemia are still the most common types, but pneumonic tularemia has increased in incidence. However, with these changes, an overall decline in mortality has been observed. Children exhibit fever, pharyngitis, hepatosplenomegaly, and constitutional symptoms more often than affected adults. The complication of late lymph node suppuration is found in half of the tularemia patients with lymphadenopathy. A high index of clinical suspicion and a good medical history and physical examination confirmed by specific serologic studies are the critical factors in the successful diagnosis of tularemia in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Skin manifestations of tularemia: a study of 88 cases in northern Finland during 16 years (1967-1983).

88 tularemia patients with secondary skin manifestations seen in northern Finland during 1967-1983 are described in this paper. Tularemia was ulceroglandular in 57% and pulmonary in 27% of the patients. 68% of the patients were women. The most common secondary skin manifestation was papular or vesicopapular eruption which was seen in 42% of the patients. Erythema nodosum either alone or in combination with some other skin eruption was encountered in 28% and erythema multiforme in 9% of the patients. Erythema nodosum was seen more often in patients with pulmonary tularemia than in other types of the disease (p less than 0.01). The clinical pictures of erythema nodosum and erythema multiforme caused by tularemia greatly resembled those caused by Yersinia. Tularemia should be remembered as one possible triggering factor of erythema nodosum and erythema multiforme.

Erythema Multiforme↗
PubMed1976

Tickborne oculoglandular tularemia: case report and review of seasonal and vectorial associations in 106 cases.

A patient acquired tickborne oculoglandular tularemia in early summer in rural Virginia. Tick exposure may be a clue to the diagnosis of tularemia in the eastern as well as the western United States, especially in summer months. A review of the experience with tularemia in Virginia for the last 13 years shows a bimodal seasonal incidence of tularemia with an associated vector exposure in 77.4% of 106 cases. The majority of cases occurring during winter months have been associated with rabbit exposure, while those in summer months are often associated with tick exposure.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Tularemia: study of 27 patients].

BACKGROUND: There has been an important tularemia outbreak recently in Spain, which has prompted a high epidemiological interest. Our objective was to describe the series of tularemia cases with emphasis being paid on clinical characteristics and evolution of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We describe 27 cases of tularemia studied clinically and epidemiologically (survey of the Health Territorial Service at Burgos). Two cases were seen in December 2000 as isolated forms, while the rest of cases accumulated in form of outbreak between September 1997 and the first months of 1998. We performed a follow-up of patients including a questionnaire (via phone) to assess relapses or disease's consequences and complications. RESULTS: 48% patients were males and patients' mean age was 52 years (27 to 72). 96% patients had handled hares in relation to hunting practices. Main symptoms were weariness (92%), general discomfort (88%), lymph node enlargement (85%) and fever (81%). Skin lesions were seen in 77% patients. A delay in the initial diagnosis was found in 40% cases. Main complications included: lymph node suppuration (25%) and persistent weariness (18%). In patients with and without a diagnostic delay, 62/21% had lymph node enlargement longer than 1 month, 46/7% had adenopathy suppuration (p < 0.05) and 31/7% had persistent weariness, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and epidemiological features of tularemia are similar to those described in previous reports. The disease behaved in a uniform and benign form without serious or evolutive complications. Diagnostic delay was the main added morbidity factor.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Transcriptional profiling of the peripheral blood response during tularemia.

Tularemia is a febrile disease caused by the highly contagious bacterium Francisella tularensis. We undertook an analysis of the transcriptional response in peripheral blood during the course of ulceroglandular tularemia by use of Affymetrix microarrays comprising 14,500 genes. Samples were obtained from seven individuals at five occasions during 2 weeks after the first hospital visit and convalescent samples 3 months later. In total, 265 genes were differentially expressed, 95 of which at more than one time point. The differential expression was verified with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for 36 genes (R(2)=0.590). The most prominent changes were noted in samples drawn on days 2-3 and a considerable proportion of the upregulated genes appeared to represent an interferon-gamma-induced response and also a proapoptotic response. Genes involved in the generation of innate and acquired immune responses were found to be downregulated, presumably a pathogen-induced event. A logistic regression analysis revealed that seven genes were good predictors of the early phase of tularemia. This is the first description of the transcriptional host response to ulceroglandular tularemia and the study has identified gene subsets relevant to the pathogenesis of the disease and subsets that may serve as early diagnostic biomarkers.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Rapid laboratory diagnosis of ulceroglandular tularemia with polymerase chain reaction.

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease which, in Scandinavia, is usually acquired through a mosquito bite. As the infecting organism, Francisella tularensis, is highly virulent the culturing of F. tularensis has generally been avoided. PCR offers a safe way to rapidly confirm diagnosis of tularemia. The case of a 9-y-old boy with ulceroglandular tularemia is presented. The diagnosis was made rapidly with DNA amplification from a pus specimen. The efficacy of ciprofloxacin treatment of tularemia in children is also discussed.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Treatment of tularemia with fluoroquinolones: two cases and review.

Streptomycin, gentamicin, and tetracycline are currently considered the antimicrobials of choice for the treatment of tularemia. Preliminary data suggest that quinolones may be effective alternative agents; however, clinical experience is limited, and their role in treating severe disease is uncertain. We recently treated two acutely ill immunocompromised patients who had presumed "atypical" pneumonia with levofloxacin. Both patients had an excellent clinical response and were diagnosed with tularemia only when blood cultures subsequently yielded Francisella tularensis. Neither patient relapsed during 12 months of follow-up. Including our two cases, a total of 10 cases of tularemia treated with quinolones have been reported. In all 10 cases, a favorable clinical response was documented, and no relapses occurred. We conclude that the quinolones appear promising for the treatment of even severe tularemia, and they should be considered efficacious alternative agents for patients who do not require parenteral therapy or are intolerant of more standard treatment regimens.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

A whole-blood lymphocyte stimulation test for the diagnosis of human tularemia.

A whole-blood lymphocyte stimulation test was used in the diagnosis of 200 cases of tularemia. Ninety-one of the patients involved had ulceroglandular infection, 81 had pulmonary infection, 13 had glandular infection, four had oropharyngeal infection, and one had oculoglandular infection. The clinical picture was obscure in the remaining 10 cases. Results of the lymphocyte stimulation test became positive in 21.3% of cases during the first week, when an agglutinating titer of greater than or equal to 1:80 was found in 2.1% of patients. During the second week, these proportions were 96.8% and 53.3%, respectively. In only one patient with tularemia (0.5%) did the stimulation test result remain negative, and only one (0.5%) of the 211 control patients had a positive result in the first test. The development of cell-mediated immunity followed the same pattern in patients with ulceroglandular tularemia as in those with pulmonary tularemia.

Humans↗