Abstract
Tularemia in the United States was examined by reviewing 106 Francisella tularensis isolates, mostly from Nebraska, collected during 1998–2012: 48% of Nebraska cases were cat-associated; 7/8 human cases were caused by subtype A.I. A vaccine is needed to reduce feline-associated tularemia, and cat owners should protect against bites/scratches and limit their pet’s outdoor access.
Highlights
Francisella tularensis, a Tier 1 select agent, is one of the most pathogenic bacteria known and the etiologic agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia [1,2]
Subset analysis of Nebraska cases showed that 48% (24/50) of the wild-type F. tularensis isolates were felineassociated, and most of those 24 isolates (71%, 17/24) were associated with tularemia cases that occurred in 1 city in eastern Nebraska
F. tularensis subtype A.I was responsible for most of the tularemia cases in cats (96%, 26/27); 1 of the 27 cases was caused by a type B strain
Summary
Tularemia in the United States was examined by reviewing 106 Francisella tularensis isolates, mostly from Nebraska, collected during 1998–2012: 48% of Nebraska cases were cat-associated; 7/8 human cases were caused by subtype A.I. The Study A review was conducted of the 106 wild-type F. tularensis isolates voluntarily deposited in the UNMC collection during 1998–2012. These isolates were obtained from infected humans, animals, or ticks predominantly residing in Nebraska; isolates from several other regions were included. Wild-type F. tularensis isolates had been transferred to UNMC from other locations, according to requirements of the national Select Agent Program [2]. DISA and PFGE results showed that 1 type B and subtype A.I strains were responsible for the cases of tularemia (Figure). Of the 8 cat bite–associated human tularemia cases, 1 was caused by a type B and 7 by subtype A.I strains. For strains in 1 of these subpopulations, DISA results showed chromosomal polymorphisms in which a Emerging Infectious Diseases www.cdc.gov/eid Vol 20, No 12, December 2014
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
