Molecular Detection and Typing of Francisella tularensis in Specimens from Non-Human Sources
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Detection of Francisella tularensis by real-time PCR in non-human specimens.
- Tularemia
Whole blood, or biopsy or dissected tissue (lung, liver, liver or kidneys. Minimum required volumes are as follows:
- Whole blood – 0.5 mL
- Tissue biopsy – 1 – 5 mg
Collect blood in EDTA tube. AVOID HEPARIN. Do not centrifuge. When possible, aseptically collect each tissue type and submit separately in sterile 2 mL O-ring microcentrifuge tubes (Sarstedt vials).
Store whole blood refrigerated for up to 5 days until shipped with freezer packs for testing. If > 5 days, store at – 20 °C and ship on dry ice. Store tissue samples frozen until shipped on dry ice for testing.
Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.
Appropriate clinical symptoms and suspected exposure to F. tularensis. An animal with a mild infection may be asymptomatic or exhibit lack of appetite, lethargy and a low-grade fever. Signs of a more serious infection include dehydration, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, ulcers in or around the mouth, and jaundice.
Completed ‘Requisition for Molecular Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents”.
Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant collection information.
Real-time PCR is performed using assays specific for F. tularensis. Samples positive by F. tularensis real-time PCR are subsequently typed using 12 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) targets.
21 calendar days.
- Brown SL, McKinney FT, Klein GC, Jones WL, 1980. J Clin Microbiol 11:146-148.
- Birdsell DN, Vogler AJ, Buchhagen J, Clare A, Kaufman E, Naumann A, Driebe E, Wagner D, Kein PS, 2014. PLoS ONE 9(9) e107964. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0107964