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Tularemia in bulgaria 2003-2004
Radka Komitova1, Rumiana Nenova, Plamen Padeshki
1Infectious Diseases Departnment, University Hospital, Pleven, Bulgaria. radkakomitova@yahoo.com
Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|January 22, 2011
Summary
Tularemia, a zoonotic disease, resurged in Bulgaria. Oropharyngeal tularemia was most common, with swollen neck and sore throat as key symptoms. Delayed antibiotic treatment can prolong recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tularemia is an uncommon but potentially fatal zoonotic disease.
- Bulgaria experienced a tularemia resurgence in 2003-2004 in western regions, following a previous outbreak in 1997.
- The study focuses on a tularemia resurgence in the Slivnitza region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics of tularemia during a resurgence.
- To assess the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in treating tularemia.
- To identify factors influencing treatment outcomes in tularemia cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 26 tularemia cases from 2003-2004.
- Data collected from medical records including symptoms, physical signs, and microbiology.
- Laboratory confirmation using agglutination tests, cultures, and PCR assays for Francisella tularensis.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four of 26 suspected cases were confirmed.
- Oropharyngeal tularemia (57.7%) was the most common form, characterized by swollen neck (84.6%) and sore throat (76.9%).
- Therapeutic failure occurred in 23.1% of cases, linked to delayed antibiotic initiation.
Conclusions:
- The 2003-2004 tularemia outbreak in Bulgaria was likely food-borne and linked to rodent population surges.
- Oropharyngeal tularemia was the predominant clinical presentation.
- Prompt antibiotic therapy is crucial for complete recovery, as delays can prolong illness.
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