Tularemia, often referred to as “rabbit fever,” is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. This pathogen is highly infectious, with as few as ten bacteria capable of causing disease in humans. It spreads through tick and insect bites, direct contact with infected animals, contaminated water, and even inhalation of airborne particles.
The symptoms of tularemia vary depending on how the bacteria enter the body, ranging from fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin ulcers to severe pneumonia and systemic infection. Without prompt treatment, tularemia can lead to serious complications or even death.
Given its ability to spread through multiple transmission routes and its classification as a potential bioterrorism agent by the CDC, the need for early, accurate detection of F. tularensis is more critical than ever.
The Importance of Rapid Diagnosis
Tularemia is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic those of other infectious diseases, such as plague or brucellosis. Laboratory confirmation is necessary for effective treatment. Traditional methods like culture-based identification and serology take days, delaying critical intervention.
A rapid and accurate diagnostic tool can:
✅ Prevent disease progression through timely treatment
✅ Aid in outbreak surveillance and public health response
✅ Reduce misdiagnosis and unnecessary antibiotic use
That’s where the LyoSens Francisella tularensis Detection qPCR Kit comes in offering a cutting-edge solution for quick, reliable detection.
Epidemiological Trends: Is Tularemia a Concern in the U.S.?
Tularemia is endemic to North America, with cases reported in almost every state. The most affected regions include the Midwest, South-Central, and Western U.S. According to the CDC, between 100 and 200 cases are reported annually, though the true number may be higher due to underdiagnosis.
Recent outbreaks have raised concerns about increasing exposure, particularly among hunters, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Climate change and shifting wildlife populations may also contribute to a broader spread of infected ticks and rodents.
LyoSens qPCR Kit: The Game-Changer in Tularemia Detection
The LyoSens Francisella tularensis Detection qPCR Kit offers a revolutionary approach to tularemia diagnostics. Unlike conventional testing methods, this lyophilized real-time PCR test provides rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of F. tularensis in clinical samples.
Why Choose LyoSens?
✔ Speed & Accuracy: Provides results within hours, enabling immediate clinical decisions.
✔ One-Tube Reaction: Reverse transcription and qPCR occur in a single tube, reducing contamination risks.
✔ Dual-Target Detection: Detects F. tularensis via the 23S rRNA gene (CY5 channel) and includes an internal control using the RNase P gene (HEX channel).
✔ Room Temperature Stability: Unlike liquid PCR reagents, this lyophilized kit is stable at room temperature, simplifying storage and transportation.
How to Use the LyoSens qPCR Kit
Using the LyoSens qPCR Kit is straightforward:
- Prepare Your Lab: Ensure equipment is calibrated, workspace is decontaminated, and reagents are ready.
- Hydrate the Reagents: Add 16 µL Rehydration Buffer to the lyophilized qPCR tubes.
- Load Samples: Pipette 4 µL of extracted DNA/RNA into the reaction mix.
- Seal & Centrifuge: Secure tubes with cap strips, briefly spin, and place in the PCR system.
- Run the qPCR Protocol: Follow the recommended thermal cycling program.
- Interpret Results: A Cq < 37 in the CY5 channel indicates a positive result.
Following these steps ensures fast and reliable results, empowering healthcare professionals with accurate diagnostic data.
Take Action: Protect Public Health
Tularemia may be rare, but its impact can be severe. Whether you are a healthcare professional, laboratory technician, or epidemiologist, having a trusted, high-performance diagnostic tool like the LyoSens qPCR Kit can make all the difference in detecting and controlling outbreaks.
Don’t wait for symptoms to escalate, detect F. tularensis fast with LyoSens!
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Tularemia.” Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/index.html
- World Health Organization (WHO). “Tularemia Fact Sheet.” Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tularemia
- Dennis DT, Inglesby TV, Henderson DA, et al. “Tularemia as a Biological Weapon: Medical and Public Health Management.” JAMA. 2001;285(21):2763–2773.
- Sjöstedt A. “Tularemia: History, Epidemiology, Pathogen Physiology, and Clinical Manifestations.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2007;20(4):523–532.
