Abstract:
Present day tularemia prevalence in the world and in Ukraine is described as well as
the current epidemic and epizootic situation in various regions. The mechanisms of
transmission of the pathogen are discussed. The causative agent of tularemia Francisella
subsp. tularensis is one of the most virulent microorganisms of the highest priority (category
"A"). This can be used as a biological weapon, and so poses a real threat to the humanity’s
security. Human infection occurs as a result of bites by infected blood-sucking arthropods
(mosquitoes, thrips, ticks), consumption of rodent-contaminated food and water, inhalation of
air-dust aerosol from diseased rodents contaminated with the pathogen, and also after direct
contact with infected animals (hunting, caring for pets, carcass processing). Isolates of the
most virulent for humans and animals subspecies F. tularensis subsp. tularensis circulate only
in North America. The less virulent subspecies F. tularensis subsp. Holarctica circulates in
North America, Europe, Asia (Japan), Australia (including Tasmania). The wide distribution
of this subspecies in the world is due to its ability to exist in the aquatic environment. In most
European countries, the terrestrial cycle of existence of the tularemia microbe is dominant, in
the body of small mammals and carriers of the pathogen - mosquitoes, ticks, and whiteflies.
The main clinical form of tularemia is ulcerative-bubonic, it is quite easily diagnosed,
infection occurs as a result of bites by infected blood-sucking arthropods. Anginal-bubonic and gastrointestinal forms are diagnosed in hot countries, they are associated with the
consumption of food and water contaminated by rodents. In the nearest future the worsening
of tularemia epidemic situation in various regions of the world is predicted due to the
activation of enzootic centers and lack of vaccination of risk groups persons and the
population of endemic areas.
