Abstract
Tularemia is an infection caused by Francisella tularensis with a worldwide distribution and diverse clinical manifestations. Limitations in both culture and serologic testing have led to substantial research into new diagnostic techniques and their clinical application, with PCR testing as the best example. This review focuses on the utility of culture, PCR and serologic testing for tularemia. In addition, we also review the evidence to support different therapeutic options for tularemia, highlighting both the most effective supporting evidence for therapeutic recommendations as well as gaps in current knowledge. We conclude the article with suggestions regarding potential areas for future research.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.