Franciscella Tularensis and Tularemia

Question 1

Describe structure of F. Tularensis.

Answer 1

Small unencapsulated pleomorphic Gram negative.

Question 2

T/F: F. Tularensis is cold tolerant and survives in water?

Answer 2

TRUE

Question 3

What is the infectious dose of F. Tularensis?

Answer 3

5 - 10 organisms

Question 4

Name 3 routes of infection for F. Tularensis.

Answer 4

1. Rabbit (winter disease in east US)
2. Ticks/deer flies
3. Handling infected tissues, animal bite

Question 5

Name the 5 stages in the pathogenesis of F. Tularensis

Answer 5

1. Tick bite, organisms into the wound
2. Local lymphadenopathy
3. bacteremia with granuloma formations.
4. Intracellular survival in monocytes.
5. Endotoxin causes initial systemic symptoms.

Question 6

The most common disease of F. Tularensis infection. Skin ulcers with painful lymphadenopathy.

Answer 6

Ulcerogladular Tularemia

Question 7

Name two other forms of Tularemia

Answer 7

Typhoidal (bacteremia), pneumonia

Question 8

Name 2 ways to diagnose Tularemia

Answer 8

Fluorescent antibody staining of node biopsy.

Serologic

Question 9

How do you treat Tularemia?

Answer 9

Streptomycin 7 - 10 days

Question 10

Is there a vaccine against F. Tularensis?

Answer 10

Yes, live attenuated, for lab workers and trappers.