Tularemia

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Tularemia

Tularemia (pronounced: too-luh-REE-mee-uh), also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, is a rare infectious disease that can attack the skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis.

Etymology

The term "Tularemia" is derived from Tulare County, California, where the disease was discovered in 1911. The bacterium Francisella tularensis was named after Edward Francis, who contributed to the early understanding of the disease.

Symptoms

Tularemia symptoms vary depending on how the bacteria enter the body. Illness ranges from mild to life-threatening. All forms are accompanied by fever, which can be as high as 104 °F. Main forms of this disease are:

  • Ulceroglandular Tularemia: This is the most common form of the disease. Symptoms include fever, ulcers on the skin or mouth, and swelling of regional lymph glands.
  • Glandular Tularemia: Similar to ulceroglandular tularemia but without an ulcer. Also characterized by swollen glands.
  • Oculoglandular Tularemia: This form affects the eyes and may cause eye pain, redness, swelling, and discharge.
  • Oropharyngeal Tularemia: This form affects the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. It causes throat pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation and ulcers of the mouth and throat.
  • Pneumonic Tularemia: This is the most serious form of the disease and it affects the lungs. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Causes

Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which is often found in animals, especially rodents, rabbits, and hares.

Treatment

Tularemia can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Streptomycin is the drug of choice. Other drugs used include gentamicin, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and fluoroquinolones.

Prevention

Prevention of tularemia involves protecting against insect bites, avoiding contact with dead or sick animals, and not drinking untreated water.

See also

External links

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