Tularemia

14,000,000 Leading Edge Experts on the ideXlab platform

Scan Science and Technology

Contact Leading Edge Experts & Companies

Scan Science and Technology

Contact Leading Edge Experts & Companies

The Experts below are selected from a list of 6183 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Akio Yamada - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • detection of francisella tularensis specific antibodies in patients with Tularemia by a novel competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
    Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 2013
    Co-Authors: Neekun Sharma, Akitoyo Hotta, Yoshie Yamamoto, Osamu Fujita, Akihiko Uda, Shigeru Morikawa, Akio Yamada
    Abstract:

    A novel competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was developed and evaluated for detection of antibodies against Francisella tularensis in humans. The assay is based on the ability of serum antibodies to inhibit the binding of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against F. tularensis lipopolysaccharide antigens. The assay was evaluated using serum samples of Tularemia patients, inactivated F. tularensis-immunized rabbits, and F. tularensis-infected mice. Antibodies against F. tularensis were successfully detected in serum samples of Tularemia patients as well as the immunized and infected animals. The cELISA method was compared to indirect ELISA (iELISA) and the commonly used microagglutination test (MA) using serum samples of 19 Tularemia patients and 50 healthy individuals. The sensitivity and specificity of cELISA were 93.9 and 96.1%, respectively, in comparison to the iELISA. MA was less sensitive than cELISA with a sensitivity and specificity of only 81.8 and 98.0%, respectively. A high degree of correlation (R2 = 0.8226) was observed between cELISA and iELISA results. The novel cELISA developed in this study appears to be highly sensitive and specific for serodiagnosis of human Tularemia. The potential of the MAb-based cELISA to be used in both human and animal samples emphasizes its usefulness for serological survey of Tularemia among multiple animal species.

  • seroprevalence of Tularemia in wild bears and hares in japan
    Zoonoses and Public Health, 2012
    Co-Authors: Akitoyo Hotta, Yoshie Yamamoto, Osamu Fujita, Akihiko Uda, Kiyoshi Tanabayashi, T Mizoguchi, Akio Yamada
    Abstract:

    Summary Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis. The distribution of the pathogen in Japan has not been studied well. In this study, seroprevalence of Tularemia among wild black bears and hares in Japan was determined. Blood samples collected from 431 Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) and 293 Japanese hares (Lepus brachurus) between 1998 and 2009 were examined for antibodies against F. tularensis by micro-agglutination test (MA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. By subsequent confirmatory tests using western blot (WB) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), eight sera from Japanese black bears were definitely shown to be seropositive. All of these eight bears were residents of the northeastern part of main-island of Japan, where human Tularemia had been reported. On the other hand, no seropositive Japanese hares were found. These results suggest that Japanese black bears can serve as sentinel for Tularemia surveillance and may help understand the distribution of F. tularensis throughout the country. This is the first report on detection of antibody to F. tularensis in black bears of Japan.

Gete Hestvik - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • pathology of natural francisella tularensis subsp holarctica infection in two yellow necked mice apodemus flavicollis
    Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 2018
    Co-Authors: Gete Hestvik, Henrik Uhlhorn, Roland Mattsson, Eva Westergren, Fredrik Sodersten, Sara Akerstrom, Dolores Gavierwiden
    Abstract:

    Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It has a wide host range, which includes mammals, birds and invertebrates. F. tularensis has often been isolated from various species of small rodents, but the pathology in naturally infected wild rodent species has rarely been reported. Herein, we describe the pathology of Tularemia in two naturally infected wild yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis). To visualize F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, indirect immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were applied on tissue sections. Real time polymerase chain reaction detected the bacterium in samples from liver and spleen in both mice. The only finding at necropsy was splenomegaly in one of the mice. Histological examination revealed necrotic foci in the liver associated with mild inflammation in both mice. Immunohistochemistry and indirect immunofluorescence showed bacteria disseminated in many organs, in the cytoplasm of macrophages, and intravascularly. The two yellow-necked mice died of an acute disease caused by tularemic infection disseminated to many organs. Further investigations of naturally infected small rodents are important to better understand the variability in pathological presentation caused by infection by F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, as well to elucidate the importance of small rodents as transmitters and/or reservoirs.

  • Pathology of natural Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica infection in two yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis)
    BMC, 2018
    Co-Authors: Gete Hestvik, Henrik Uhlhorn, Roland Mattsson, Eva Westergren, Fredrik Sodersten, Sara Akerstrom, Dolores Gavier-widén
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It has a wide host range, which includes mammals, birds and invertebrates. F. tularensis has often been isolated from various species of small rodents, but the pathology in naturally infected wild rodent species has rarely been reported. Case presentation Herein, we describe the pathology of Tularemia in two naturally infected wild yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis). To visualize F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, indirect immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were applied on tissue sections. Real time polymerase chain reaction detected the bacterium in samples from liver and spleen in both mice. The only finding at necropsy was splenomegaly in one of the mice. Histological examination revealed necrotic foci in the liver associated with mild inflammation in both mice. Immunohistochemistry and indirect immunofluorescence showed bacteria disseminated in many organs, in the cytoplasm of macrophages, and intravascularly. Conclusions The two yellow-necked mice died of an acute disease caused by tularemic infection disseminated to many organs. Further investigations of naturally infected small rodents are important to better understand the variability in pathological presentation caused by infection by F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, as well to elucidate the importance of small rodents as transmitters and/or reservoirs

  • the status of Tularemia in europe in a one health context a review
    Epidemiology and Infection, 2015
    Co-Authors: Gete Hestvik, Henrik Uhlhorn, Roland Mattsson, E Warnspetit, L A Smith, Naomi J Fox, Marc Artois, D Hannant, Michael R Hutchings, Lisa Yon
    Abstract:

    The bacterium Francisella tularensis causes the vector-borne zoonotic disease Tularemia, and may infect a wide range of hosts including invertebrates, mammals and birds. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, or through arthropod vectors. Tularemia has a broad geographical distribution, and there is evidence which suggests local emergence or re-emergence of this disease in Europe. This review was developed to provide an update on the geographical distribution of F. tularensis in humans, wildlife, domestic animals and vector species, to identify potential public health hazards, and to characterize the epidemiology of Tularemia in Europe. Information was collated on cases in humans, domestic animals and wildlife, and on reports of detection of the bacterium in arthropod vectors, from 38 European countries for the period 1992-2012. Multiple international databases on human and animal health were consulted, as well as published reports in the literature. Tularemia is a disease of complex epidemiology that is challenging to understand and therefore to control. Many aspects of this disease remain poorly understood. Better understanding is needed of the epidemiological role of animal hosts, potential vectors, mechanisms of maintenance in the different ecosystems, and routes of transmission of the disease.

Regina Konrad - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Jeannine M Petersen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • multiple francisella tularensis subspecies and clades Tularemia outbreak utah
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2008
    Co-Authors: Jeannine M Petersen, Jennifer K Carlson, Gabrielle Dietrich, Rebecca J Eisen, Jana Coombs, Aimee M Janusz, Jodee Summers, Ben C Beard, Paul S Mead
    Abstract:

    In July 2007, a deer fly-associated outbreak of Tularemia occurred in Utah. Human infections were caused by 2 clades (A1 and A2) of Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis. Lagomorph carcasses from the area yielded evidence of infection with A1 and A2, as well as F. tularensis subsp. holarctica. These findings indicate that multiple subspecies and clades can cause disease in a localized outbreak of Tularemia.

  • epidemiologic and molecular analysis of human Tularemia united states 1964 2004
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2006
    Co-Authors: Erin J Staples, Kristy Kubota, Paul S Mead, Linda G Chalcraft, Jeannine M Petersen
    Abstract:

    Tularemia in the United States is caused by 2 subspecies of Francisella tularensis, subspecies tularensis (type A) and subspecies holarctica (type B). We compared clinical and demographic features of human Tularemia cases from 1964 to 2004 from 39 states in which an isolate was recovered and subtyped. Our data indicate that type A and type B infections differ with respect to affected populations, anatomic site of isolation, and geographic distribution. Molecular subtyping with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis further defined 2 subpopulations of type A (type A-east and type A-west) that differ with respect to geographic distribution, disease outcome, and transmission. Our data suggest that type A-west infections are less severe than either type B or type A-east infections. Through a combined epidemiologic and molecular approach to human cases of Tularemia, we provide new insights into the disease for future investigation.

  • francisella tularensis in the united states
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2005
    Co-Authors: Jason Farlow, Jeannine M Petersen, David M Wagner, Meghan Dukerich, Miles Stanley, May Chinmay Chu, Kristy Kubota, Paul Keim
    Abstract:

    The causative agent of Tularemia, Francisella tularensis, is a formidable biologic agent that occurs naturally throughout North America. We examined genetic and spatial diversity patterns among 161 US F. tularensis isolates by using a 24-marker multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) system. MLVA identified 126 unique genotypes. Phylogenetic analyses showed patterns similar to recently reported global-scale analyses. We observed clustering by subspecies, low genetic diversity within F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, and division of F. tularensis subsp. tularensis into 2 distinct subpopulations: A.I. and A.II. The 2 F. tularensis subsp. tularensis subpopulations also represent geographically distinct groups; A.I. occurs primarily in the central United States, and A.II. occurs primarily in the western United States. These spatial distributions are correlated with geographic ranges of particular vectors, hosts of Tularemia, and abiotic factors. These correlates provide testable hypotheses regarding ecologic factors associated with maintaining Tularemia foci.

  • Tularemia emergence re emergence
    Veterinary Research, 2005
    Co-Authors: Jeannine M Petersen, Martin E Schriefer
    Abstract:

    Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative coccobacillus and the etiologic agent of the zoonotic disease Tularemia. First described in 1911 in Tulare County, California, it has since been reported throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with natural infections reported among an unusually wide range of vertebrates and invertebrates. In recent years, Tularemia has emerged in new geographic locations, populations, and settings. This review will serve to highlight mechanisms contributing to the recent emergence of Tularemia as well as a repertoire of diagnostic tools useful for detecting and diagnosing disease. Tularemia / zoonosis / factors of emergence / Francisella tularensis

  • first reported prairie dog to human Tularemia transmission texas 2002
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2004
    Co-Authors: Swati B Avashia, Martin E Schriefer, Jeannine M Petersen, Connie Lindley, Kenneth L Gage, Marty Cetron, Thomas A Demarcus, David K Kim, Jan Buck, John A Montenieri
    Abstract:

    A Tularemia outbreak, caused by Francisella tularensis type B, occurred among wild-caught, commercially traded prairie dogs. F. tularensis microagglutination titers in one exposed person indicated recent infection. These findings represent the first evidence for prairie-dog-to-human Tularemia transmission and demonstrate potential human health risks of the exotic pet trade.

Max Maurin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • francisella tularensis Tularemia and serological diagnosis
    Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Max Maurin
    Abstract:

    Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The predominant sources, routes of infection, and clinical manifestations of human infections greatly vary according to the geographic area considered. Moreover, clinical suspicion of Tularemia is often tricky because of the lack of specificity of the clinical manifestations. Because F. tularensis isolation is tedious and detection of its DNA usually requires removal of infected tissues, serological techniques are most often used for diagnostic confirmation. However, these techniques are varied and poorly standardized. The microagglutination test (MAT), the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and ELISA tests are currently the most frequently used techniques. These home-made and commercial tests are mainly used for Tularemia diagnosis but also seroprevalence studies. ELISA tests detect specific antibodies within two weeks of disease evaluation, compared to 2-3 weeks for MAT and IFA. However, more false-positive results are usually reported with ELISA. The long-term persistence of anti-F. tularensis antibodies in patients with past Tularemia infection hampers the diagnostic specificity of all these tests. Also, cross-reacting antibodies have been described (especially with Brucella and Yersinia species), although usually at a low level. The immunoblotting technique can highlight these serological cross-reactions. Tularemia remains an underdiagnosed disease in most endemic areas, and the clinical presentations of this disease are evolving. It is necessary to improve further speed and accuracy of Tularemia diagnosis, as well as the standardization of diagnostic procedures.

  • Tularemia a case series of patients diagnosed at the national reference center for rickettsioses from 2008 to 2017
    Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2020
    Co-Authors: Anne Darmoncurti, Aurelie Hennebique, Thomas Guimard, Guillaume Martinblondel, Sophie Edouard, Francois Darmon, Timothee Klopfenstein, Jeanphilippe Talarmin, Didier Raoult, Max Maurin
    Abstract:

    Background We describe the epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic aspects of 177 Tularemia cases diagnosed at the National Reference Center for rickettsioses, coxiellosis, and bartonelloses between 2008 and 2017. Methods All patients with a microbiological diagnosis of Tularemia made in the laboratory were included. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected retrospectively from clinicians in charge of patients using a standardized questionnaire. Diagnostic methods used were indirect immunofluorescence serology, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and universal PCR targeting the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene. Results The series included 54 females and 123 males (sex ratio, 2.28; mean age, 47.38 years). Eighty-nine (50.2%) were confirmed as having Tularemia on the basis of a positive Francisella tularensis PCR or seroconversion, and 88 (49.8%) were considered as probable due to a single positive serum. The regions of France that were most affected included Pays de la Loire (22% of cases), Nouvelle Aquitaine (18.6% of cases), and Grand Est (12.4% of cases). Patients became infected mainly through contact with rodents or game (38 cases, 21.4%), through tick-bites (23 cases, 12.9%), or during outdoor leisure activities (37 cases, 20.9%). Glandular and ulceroglandular forms were the most frequent (109 cases, 61.5%). Two aortitis, an infectious endocarditis, a myocarditis, an osteoarticular infection, and a splenic hematoma were also diagnosed. Tularemia was discovered incidentally in 54.8% of cases. Seventy-eight patients were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. Conclusions Our data suggest that in an endemic area and/or in certain epidemiological contexts, Tularemia should be sought to allow an optimized antibiotic therapy and a faster recovery.

  • Tularemia as a waterborne disease: a review
    Emerging microbes & infections, 2019
    Co-Authors: Aurelie Hennebique, Sandrine Boisset, Max Maurin
    Abstract:

    Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative, intracellular bacterium causing the zoonosis Tularemia. This highly infectious microorganism is considered a potential biological threat agent. Humans are usually infected through direct contact with the animal reservoir and tick bites. However, Tularemia cases also occur after contact with a contaminated hydrotelluric environment. Water-borne Tularemia outbreaks and sporadic cases have occurred worldwide in the last decades, with specific clinical and epidemiological traits. These infections represent a major public health and military challenge. Human contaminations have occurred through consumption or use of F. tularensis-contaminated water, and various aquatic activities such as swimming, canyoning and fishing. In addition, in Sweden and Finland, mosquitoes are primary vectors of Tularemia due to infection of mosquito larvae in contaminated aquatic environments. The mechanisms of F. tularensis survival in water may include the formation of biofilms, interactions with free-living amoebae, and the transition to a 'viable but nonculturable' state, but the relative contribution of these possible mechanisms remains unknown. Many new aquatic species of Francisella have been characterized in recent years. F. tularensis likely shares with these species an ability of long-term survival in the aquatic environment, which has to be considered in terms of Tularemia surveillance and control.

  • Tularemia a re emerging infectious disease in iran and neighboring countrie
    Epidemiology and Health, 2015
    Co-Authors: Afsaneh Zargar, Max Maurin, Ehsan Mostafavi
    Abstract:

    Objectives Tularemia is a zoonotic disease transmitted by direct contact with infected animals and through arthropod bites, inhalation of contaminated aerosols, ingestion of contaminated meat or water, and skin contact with any infected material. It is widespread throughout the northern hemisphere, including Iran and its neighbors to the north, northeast, and northwest. Methods In this paper, the epidemiology of Tularemia as a re-emerging infectious disease in the world with a focus on Iran and the neighboring countries is reviewed. Results In Iran, positive serological tests were first reported in 1973, in wildlife and domestic livestock in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the country. The first human case was reported in 1980 in the southwest of Iran, and recent studies conducted among at-risk populations in the western, southeastern, and southwestern parts of Iran revealed seroprevalences of 14.4, 6.52, and 6%, respectively. Conclusions Several factors may explain the absence of reported Tularemia cases in Iran since 1980. Tularemia may be underdiagnosed in Iran because Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica is likely to be the major etiological agent and usually causes mild to moderately severe disease. Furthermore, Tularemia is not a disease extensively studied in the medical educational system in Iran, and empirical therapy may be effective in many cases. Finally, it should be noted that laboratories capable of diagnosing Tularemia have only been established in the last few years. Since both recent and older studies have consistently found Tularemia antibodies in humans and animals, the surveillance of this disease should receive more attention. In particular, it would be worthwhile for clinical researchers to confirm Tularemia cases more often by isolating F. tularensis from infected humans and animals.

  • serological survey of Tularemia among butchers and slaughterhouse workers in iran
    Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2014
    Co-Authors: Saber Esmaeili, Max Maurin, Behzad Esfandiari, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Mohammad Reza Shirzadi, Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri, Ehsan Mostafavi
    Abstract:

    Received 4 January 2014; revised 29 March 2014; accepted 25 April 2014Background: Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis.Human infections often occur through manipulation of infected animals or animal carcasses.Methods: In this study, we determined the Tularemia seroprevalence in butchers and slaughterhouse workers in10 counties of Sistan and Baluchestan Province in Iran.Results: A mean seroprevalence of 6.5% for IgG antibodies against F. tularensis was seen. The highest seroposi-tivity rates were observed in the counties of Zabol and Nikhshahr. There was no difference in the seroprevalencerates between butchers and slaughterhouse workers (p¼0.25).Conclusion: These data suggest that Tularemia is endemic in Sistan and Baluchestan Province in Iran.Keywords: Francisella tularensis, Iran, Seroprevalence, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Tularemia, Zoonosis

Tularemia - 15 days free trial to Access Experts & Abstracts