Health A-Z

Rabbit fever, also known as tularemia, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It can affect various mammals, including rabbits, rodents, and other animals, and can be transmitted to humans through bites from infected ticks or flies, handling infected animal carcasses, or inhaling contaminated dust or aerosols. Here's a breakdown of each aspect:

• The symptoms of tularemia can vary depending on the route of transmission and the specific strain of the bacterium. They may include:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Skin ulcers or sores at the site of infection (if acquired through a cut or scratch)
  • Swollen and tender lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), especially in the armpits or groin
  • Respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing (if acquired through inhalation)
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain (if acquired through ingestion)

• Antibiotic Therapy: Tularemia is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, or gentamicin. The choice of antibiotic and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the infection and other factors.
• Supportive Care: In addition to antibiotics, supportive care may be provided to manage symptoms, such as fever, pain, and dehydration. This may include rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever.
• Intravenous Antibiotics: In severe cases or cases with complications, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary to ensure adequate absorption and distribution of the medication.

• Clinical Evaluation: Diagnosis of tularemia is based on clinical symptoms, history of exposure to potentially infected animals or environments, and laboratory testing.
• Laboratory Testing: Laboratory tests may include blood tests (such as antibody testing or polymerase chain reaction, PCR) to detect the presence of F. tularensis bacteria, as well as cultures of samples from skin lesions, lymph nodes, or other affected tissues.
• Imaging: Imaging studies, such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, may be performed to evaluate for signs of pneumonia or other complications in cases of respiratory tularemia.