| Description |
Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by Francisella tularensis. The causative bacterium is a Gram-negative coccoid rod, 0.2, 0.5 µm × 0.7,1.0 µm, non-motile and non-spore-forming organism that is an obligate aerobe with optimal growth at 37°C. It occurs naturally in lagomorphs (rabbits and hares), and in rodents, especially microtine rodents (such as voles, vole rats and muskrats), and beavers. A wide range of other mammals and several species of birds have also been reported to be infected. |
