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Post by LymeEnigma on Jul 28, 2008 10:36:12 GMT -8
Background First described in Japan in 1837, tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the gram-negative pleomorphic bacterium, Francisella tularensis. The disease name relates to the description in 1911 of a plaguelike illness in ground squirrels in Tulare County, California, and the subsequent work performed by Dr Edward Francis. In 1928, Francis described his personal experience with more than 800 cases. F tularensis is found worldwide in more than 100 species of wild animals, birds, and insects. Four major strains, which differ in both virulence and geographic range, exist. The "tularensis" strain, found primarily in North America, is the most virulent. The organism produces an acute febrile illness in humans. The route of transmission and factors relating to the host and the organism influence the presentation. Full article: www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic591.htm
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