Definition Tularaemia is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans from an infected animal or insect.
What is going on in the body? Tularaemia is caused by the bacterium, Francisella tularensis. Transmission of this infection is usually from the bite of wild or domesticated animals as well as ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes that are infected with this organism. A person may also become infected just by coming in contact with an infected animal (by skinning an infected rabbit, for example) or from the bite of a blood-sucking insect.
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease? The general symptoms of tularaemia may include:
What are the causes and risks of the disease? The Francisella tularensis bacteria cause tularaemia. A person risks exposure to this bacteria from:
close contact with animals and certain insects that are infected with the organism. Hunters and trappers are at risk. In the US, ticks and rabbits remain the main source of infection for humans.
contact with blood-sucking insects, including ticks
direct exposure to an infected animal, such as handling, skinning, or eating raw meat
water contaminated by infected animals
What can be done to prevent the disease? Tularaemia can be prevented by wearing gloves and masks when handling potentially infected animals, especially wild rabbits. Game meats should be thoroughly cooked prior to eating. Long pants and socks can protect a person from tick bites. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has a live vaccine that can be given to decrease the frequency and severity of infection. Using insect repellants and removing ticks quickly may also decrease the risk of tularaemia.
How is the disease diagnosed? Tularaemia is usually diagnosed with an antibody titre test that checks the person's blood for antibodies against the bacteria. After the medical history and physical examination, the doctor may order tests, including:
What are the long-term effects of the disease? When treated promptly, tularaemia seldom has long-term effects. If it is untreated or if treatment is delayed, the infection may affect any part of the body, causing:
infection of the spinal fluid or fluid surrounding the brain, such as meningitis
If untreated, severe forms of tularaemia can be fatal.
What are the risks to others? There have been no documented cases of tularaemia being spread from one person to another.
What are the treatments for the disease? Early treatment of tularaemia with antibiotics is vital. For severe cases, hospitalisation is necessary to provide intravenous fluids, breathing treatments, and any other needed help. Surgery to drain lesions or lymph nodes may also be necessary.
What are the side effects of the treatments? Side effects vary with the specific antibiotic. Antibiotics can cause stomach upset, allergic reaction, and rash. Surgery poses a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anaesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the disease? Outcome after treatment will depend on the extent of illness. A person may recover quickly from tularaemia and need no further treatment. If the infection is extensive, surgery and recovery may require more time.
How is the disease monitored? A person who is diagnosed with tularaemia should monitor symptoms closely. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
Author: Danielle Zerr, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
