Francisella Flashcards
What diseases does Francisella spp. cause?
rabbit fever
deer fly fever
Can Francisella tularensis be used as a biological weapon?
yes
What subtype is F. tularensis subsp. tularensis? Where is it found?
highly virulent type A
North America
What subtype is F. tularensis subsp. holarctica? Where is it found?
less vireulent type B
Eurasia and North America
What subtype is F. tularensis subsp. mediasiatica? Where is it found?
type C - similar virulence to subsp. holarctica
Asia
Describe the general characteristics of Francisella tularensis
gram neg coccobacillary rods, can be pleomorphic
non-motile
facultative intracellular pathogen
obligate aerobe
Does F. tularensis gram stain well?
no - gram stains poorly due to high lipid content
Does Francisella tularensis require supplementation in media for culture?
yes - needs cysteine
Does F. tularensis grow on MAC?
NO
F. tularensis oxidase and catalase reactions
oxidase neg
weakly catalase pos
What are the vectors of F. tularensis?
ticks, biting flies, mosquitos
Reservoirs of F. tularensis
rodents
lagomorphs
galliform birds
deer
Domestic hosts of F. tularensis
sheep
cats
dogs - rarely show clinical signs, may be a reservoir host
horses
pigs
What other species can be infected by F. tularensis?
birds, amphibians, fish, reptiles
Transmission of F. tularensis
via skin abrasions, bites, scratches
arthropod bites
inhalation
ingestion
conjunctiva