Francisella tularensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Francisella tularensis |
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| F. tularensis colonies on an agar plate. | |
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Francisellaceae
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F. tularensis
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| Francisella tularensis (McCoy and Chapin 1912)
Dorofe'ev 1947 |
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Francisella tularensis is a tiny living thing called a bacterium. It is so small you need a microscope to see it! This bacterium causes a serious illness called tularemia. Tularemia is sometimes called "rabbit fever" because it often affects rabbits.
This bacterium is known as a zoonotic disease agent. This means it can spread from animals to humans. F. tularensis is also considered a potential bioterrorism agent. This is because it can spread easily through the air and can make people very sick. Scientists study it carefully to understand how to protect people from it.
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What is Francisella tularensis?
Francisella tularensis is a type of bacterium. Bacteria are single-celled organisms found everywhere. Some bacteria are helpful, but others, like F. tularensis, can cause disease. This bacterium was first discovered in 1912.
It is a "gram-negative" bacterium. This is a way scientists classify bacteria based on their cell wall. This classification helps them know which medicines might work best.
What is Tularemia?
Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by Francisella tularensis. It can affect many animals, including rabbits, hares, rodents, and even cats and dogs. Humans can also get tularemia.
The disease can be mild or very serious. It depends on how the person got infected and how strong their immune system is. Early treatment is important for a good recovery.
How Does Tularemia Spread?
People can get tularemia in several ways. One common way is by handling infected animals, especially rabbits. This can happen if the bacteria enter through cuts in the skin.
Another way is through bites from infected ticks, mosquitoes, or deer flies. These insects can carry the bacteria from animals to humans. Drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked meat from infected animals can also cause the disease. Breathing in the bacteria, perhaps from dust or aerosols, is another way to get sick.
Signs of Tularemia
The signs of tularemia can vary. They depend on how the bacteria entered the body. Common signs include a sudden fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. People might also feel very tired.
If the bacteria entered through a skin cut, a sore might appear at that spot. Nearby lymph nodes (small glands that fight infection) can become swollen and painful. If someone breathed in the bacteria, they might develop pneumonia. This affects the lungs and can cause coughing and trouble breathing.
Treating and Preventing Tularemia
Tularemia can be treated with special medicines called antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible. This helps to prevent serious problems.
To prevent tularemia, it's best to avoid contact with sick or dead animals. When outdoors, use insect repellent to avoid tick and mosquito bites. Wear gloves if you must handle wild animals. Make sure to cook meat thoroughly. Also, avoid drinking untreated water from lakes or streams.
Where Does This Bacterium Live?
Francisella tularensis is found in many parts of the world. It lives naturally in the environment and in many different animals. It is especially common in areas where rabbits and rodents live.
The bacteria can survive for weeks in moist soil or water. This makes it easy for animals to pick up the infection. When animals get sick, they can then pass the bacteria to other animals or to humans.
Images for kids
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A tularemia lesion on the dorsal skin of a hand
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F. tularensis colonies on an agar plate
