Tularemia: Also known as Pahvant Valley Plague, Rabbit Fever, Deer Fly Fever, and Ohara's Fever
What is Tularemia?Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella Tularensis. Historically, Tularemia has been researched by various nations for potential use as a biological weapon.
Virulence (Strength and Degree) Factors: -capsule (slippery) -multiplies once taken in by a white blood cell (macrophage) -lasts in its hosts for a long period of time (resistant to weather extremes) -invades mutiple organs (lungs, liver, spleen, lymphatic system) This bacteria can be contracted through: -Bite from infected tick, mosquito, horsefly (vector-borne contamination) -Breathing in plant or dirt material that has been infected. -Contact with dead infected animal (i.e. rabbit, muskrat, squirrel) through a break in the skin, which indicates Tularemia is an animal reservoir. -Infected meat consumption -Tularemia is not known to be spread from person to person (non-communicable) and people who have Tularemia do not have to be quarantined. |
Different forms of Tularemia?There are three main forms of Tularemia, click below to learn more about each of them.
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Tularemia as an Endotoxin
Tularemia is a type of bacterial endotoxin, a virulence factor which contributes to the strength and degree of which the disease will affect a person. As an endotoxin, the Tularemia bacterium remains attached to the cell wall before spreading through the body, in a systemic manner. In particular for Tularemia, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and kidneys if not treated soon enough.
Characteristics of an Endotoxin
Characteristics:
-found in gram negative bacteria
-toxin found in cell wall
-causes fever and a drop in blood pressure
-not treatable with antitoxins
-LD50 is high
Other Diseases caused by Endotoxins:
-Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
-Typhoid fever
-Meningitis
Below is a link to a video providing a visual guide to an endotoxin's behavior.
http://www.professorcrista.com/files/animations/posted%20animations/virulence_endotoxins.swf
Below is a link to a video which details recent Tularemia Research conducted in NIAID Laboratories.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=itZE_y5sCFc
-found in gram negative bacteria
-toxin found in cell wall
-causes fever and a drop in blood pressure
-not treatable with antitoxins
-LD50 is high
Other Diseases caused by Endotoxins:
-Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
-Typhoid fever
-Meningitis
Below is a link to a video providing a visual guide to an endotoxin's behavior.
http://www.professorcrista.com/files/animations/posted%20animations/virulence_endotoxins.swf
Below is a link to a video which details recent Tularemia Research conducted in NIAID Laboratories.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=itZE_y5sCFc
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