Diagnosis of tularemia tradionally relies on cultivation, PCR and serology, but there is still a need to improve the diagnostic possibilities, e.g., with regard to speed and prognostic markers. Moreover, some patients present with uncharacteristic symptoms and are therefore difficult to diagnose. The relatively high number of samples handled by the laboratory means that the laboratory staff may be exposed to the bacterium during routine work and since it is highly contagious, being at risk to contract tularemia. Therefore, improved assays that allow very rapid diagnosis are of high priority. We will now develop methods based on the characterization of the host response or secreted bacterial factors as rapid diagnostic tools that also can have prognostic potential. Moreover, we will develop very rapid methods for identification and typing of the bacterium to enhance the laboratory safety. Read More

PI: Anders Sjöstedt