Francisella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Francisella |
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Francisellaceae
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Francisella
Dorofe'ev 1947
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F. hispaniensis |
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Francisella is a group, or genus, of tiny living things called bacteria. These bacteria belong to their own special family, named Francisellaceae. This family is part of a larger group of bacteria known as Gammaproteobacteria, which are found in the Thiotrichales order.
One very important type of Francisella is called F. tularensis. This specific bacterium is known for causing a serious infectious disease called tularemia.
Contents
What are Bacteria?
Bacteria are super tiny, single-celled living things. You can only see them with a powerful microscope. They are everywhere! Some bacteria are helpful, like those that live in your gut and help you digest food. Others can cause sickness. Francisella bacteria are an example of those that can cause problems.
Meet Francisella
The Francisella genus includes several different types, or species, of bacteria. They are all very small and can live in different places. Scientists study them to understand how they live and how they affect other living things, like animals and humans.
Types of Francisella Bacteria
There are many species within the Francisella group. Some of them include:
- F. hispaniensis
- F. novicida
- F. noatunensis
- F. philomiragia
- F. piscicida
- F. tularensis
Each of these species has its own unique features, but they all share common traits that place them in the Francisella genus.
Understanding Tularemia
Tularemia is a serious illness caused by the F. tularensis bacterium. This disease can affect both animals and humans. It's sometimes called "rabbit fever" because it's often found in rabbits and other wild animals.
How Tularemia Spreads
People can get tularemia in several ways:
- Insect bites: Ticks, deer flies, and other insects can carry the bacteria and pass them to humans through bites.
- Contact with infected animals: Handling sick or dead animals, especially rabbits, can spread the bacteria.
- Contaminated water or food: Rarely, drinking water or eating food that has the bacteria can cause infection.
- Breathing in the bacteria: If the bacteria become airborne, people can get sick by breathing them in.
Symptoms of Tularemia
The symptoms of tularemia can vary depending on how a person got infected. Common signs might include:
- Fever
- Skin ulcers (sores)
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
If someone thinks they might have tularemia, it's important to see a doctor right away. Doctors can use special tests to find out if a person has the disease.
Treating Tularemia
Luckily, tularemia can be treated with special medicines called antibiotics. These medicines help to kill the bacteria and make the sick person feel better. Early treatment is important to prevent serious problems.
