Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pathogenic bacterium: Francisella tularensis is a species of bacteria. It is the primary causative agent of the disease tularemia in humans and other animals.
   • A potential biological agent: Due to its high infectivity, it is classified as a potential bioweapon.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory confirmed the presence of Francisella tularensis in the tissue sample.
  • Researchers study the transmission pathways of Francisella tularensis.
  • Handling infected animals without protection can lead to exposure to Francisella tularensis.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Classification: The name is used in taxonomic and medical contexts. It is often italicized in scientific writing.
  • The genome of Francisella tularensis has been fully sequenced.
• Public Health and Security Contexts: The term is used in discussions concerning zoonotic diseases, epidemiology, and biodefense.
  • Protocols for handling Francisella tularensis are strictly regulated due to its classification as a Tier 1 select agent.

Variants and Related Words

• Tularemia (noun): The disease caused by infection with . Also known as rabbit fever.
  • Symptoms of tularemia include fever and swollen lymph nodes.
• Francisella (noun): The genus to which this bacterium belongs.
  • The genus Francisella contains several species of small, Gram-negative bacteria.

Synonyms

• Causal agent of tularemia: This is a descriptive synonym specifying its role.
• Tularemia bacterium: A common descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• To culture Francisella tularensis: To grow the bacterium in a laboratory setting.
  • Specialized media are required to culture Francisella tularensis.
• Infection with Francisella tularensis: Refers to the state of having the disease.
  • Early antibiotic treatment is crucial for infection with Francisella tularensis.

Related Terminology

• Zoonotic pathogen: A disease-causing agent that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
  • Francisella tularensis is a classic example of a zoonotic pathogen.
• Select Agent: A biological agent or toxin deemed a severe threat to public health and safety (U.S. regulatory term).
  • Francisella tularensis is listed as a Select Agent.

Noun

1. the type species of the genus Francisella and the causal agent of tularemia in humans; can be used as a bioweapon