Zoonotic Disease

1. TULAREMIA
Presented by : NUMAN ASHRAF
2021-DVMJ-045

2. • Introduction
• History
• Etiology
• Epidemiology
• Transmission
• Sign and symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Vaccine
CONTENTS:

3. Introduction:
Tularemia, also known as rabbit
fever or deer fly fever, is an
infectious disease caused by the
bacterium Francisella tularensis.
It is primarily a zoonotic disease,
meaning it can be transmitted
between animals and humans.
Tularemia is found in many
parts of the world, including
North America, Europe, and
Asia.

4. History:
• Discovery and Early Studies :
Tularemia was first identified in Tulare County, California, in 1911.
The disease was affecting ground squirrels and was initially
referred to as "ground squirrel fever." Shortly after, similar cases
were reported in humans, leading to the discovery of human
tularemia. In 1912, Dr. Edward Francis identified the causative
bacterium and named it Francisella tularensis

5. • Research during World War II:
During World War II, tularemia gained significant attention
due to its potential as a biological weapon. Several countries,
including the United States and the Soviet Union, conducted
research on F. tularensis for weaponization purposes. The
United States even established a program known as
"Operation Whitecoat" to study tularemia and other
biological agents.

6. Etiology :
Francisella tularensis is a small, gram-
negative, non-spore-forming
bacterium. It belongs to the family
Francisellaceae and the order
Thiotrichales. There are several
subspecies and genetic variants of F.
tularensis, each with varying
virulence and geographical
distribution.

7. Epidemiology:
• Global Distribution:
Tularemia is found in various parts of the world. It is most commonly
reported in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including
North America, Europe, and Asia. Tularemia has been reported in all U.S
states except Hawai
• Seasonal Variation:
Tularemia often exhibits seasonal patterns. In many regions, the
majority of cases occur during spring and summer, corresponding to
increased outdoor activities and exposure to arthropod vectors.

8. • Occupational Risk:
Certain occupations and activities may pose a higher risk of
tularemia exposure. These include hunters, trappers, farmers,
veterinarians, and laboratory workers who handle or come into
contact with animals or potentially contaminated materials.
• Recreational Exposures:
Outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and gardening, can
increase the risk of tularemia transmission. Exposure to arthropod
vectors, handling or consuming infected animals, or contact with
contaminated environments can pose a risk to individuals involved
in such activities.

9. Transmission:
Tularemia can be transmitted to humans through
several means:
Tick or deer fly bites: The most common route of
transmission is through the bite of infected ticks or
deer flies.
Handling infected animals: Direct contact with
infected animals or their carcasses, such as rabbits,
rodents, or domestic cats, can lead to infection.

10. Inhalation:
Inhaling airborne bacteria or aerosols from
contaminated soil, hay, or animal droppings can
cause respiratory tularemia.
Ingestion:
Consuming contaminated water, food, or
improperly cooked meat can result in
gastrointestinal tularemia.

11. Clinical Signs :
1.Ulceroglandular Tularemia
2.Glandular Tularemia
3.Oculoglandular Tularemia
4.Oropharangeal Tularemia

12. Generalized Symptoms:
Fever: Elevated body temperature, often with chills
and sweating.
Fatigue: Feeling of tiredness, weakness, or
exhaustion.
Headache: Pain or discomfort in the head.
Muscle aches: Soreness or pain in muscles and
joints.
Weight loss: Unintentional loss of weight.

13. Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of tularemia involves a
combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory
tests, and patient history.
1. ELISA
2. PCR
3. CULTURING
4. CT Scans

14. Treatment:
Antibiotics used to treat tularemia include:
1. Streptomycin
2. Gentamicin
3. Doxycycline
4. Ciprofloxacin
Treatment usually lasts 10 to 21 days
depending on the stage of illness and the
medication used.

15. Prevention:
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of tularemia include:
• Avoiding direct contact with wild animals, especially sick or dead
ones.
• Using insect repellent to prevent tick and insect bites.
• Wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, when in
areas with high risk of exposure.
• Drinking clean, treated water and avoiding consuming contaminated
food.
• Properly handling and cooking meat to kill bacteria.

16. Vaccine:
Currently, there is no commercially available
vaccine for tularemia that is approved for use
in humans in the United States or most other
countries. However, research and
development efforts for a tularemia vaccine
are ongoing.

17. THANKS 😊