Francisella tularensis (tularaemia)

The test concerns investigation of Francisella tularensis, the organism that causes tularaemia. Tularaemia can be transmitted through contact with infected animals, vectors and other routes. In serum testing, time since symptom onset is important: the antibody response often becomes detectable only after several weeks.

Antibodies may persist for a long time and cross-react, including with Brucella. An early negative result does not exclude disease; the laboratory must clarify the exact marker covered by this item. The doctor assesses the result together with symptoms, medical history and other investigations. The reference values of the individual laboratory are used for comparison, and changes over time are considered during follow-up.

• Complement investigation of suspected tularaemia.
• Assess laboratory findings in the context of exposures and disease timing.