| Description | Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative, coccobacillus-shaped bacterium that falls under the category of psychrophiles, preferring cooler temperatures for optimal growth. This microbe is classified as a chemoheterotroph, relying on organic compounds for energy and carbon. In terms of oxygen requirements, F. tularensis is regarded as a facultative anaerobe, capable of surviving in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. As a Gram-negative organism, F. tularensis possesses a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane rich in lipopolysaccharides, contributing to its virulence and ability to evade the host immune response. The coccobacillus shape aids in its survival in various environments, making it adept at infecting wildlife, particularly rodents, and subsequently humans. This bacterium thrives at temperatures ranging from 28°C to 40°C, reflecting its adaptation to temperate climates. Being a chemoheterotroph, it requires organic substrates for energy, which it derives from host tissues during infection. F. tularensis is primarily known as the causative agent of tularemia, a potentially severe zoonotic disease that can affect multiple body sites, including the lungs, skin, lymph nodes, and eyes, depending on the mode of transmission. Although it is a facultative anaerobe, its ability to thrive in diverse oxygen levels enhances its pathogenic versatility. Additionally, F. tularensis is recognized as one of the most infectious bacteria known, with an extremely low infectious dose, making it a potential bioweapon. Its resilience in nature, combined with its ability to cause disease in humans and animals, highlights its significance in both public health and microbiological research. |
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