[Tularemia, an emerging disease in Switzerland]

Tularemia is an infection caused by Francisella tularensis. This zoonose is transmitted to human through contact with infected animals or by vectors such as ticks. It has been a rare disease in Switzerland until recently, but its incidence is increasing. The clinical manifestations of tularemia are diverse and the ulcero-glandular disease is the most common form. It presents with an ulcerative lesion at the site of inoculation and regional lymphadenopathy which can be massive. Diagnosis is based on culture, PCR or serology with antibody titer rise approximately 2 weeks after the onset of illness. Antibiotics with clinical efficacy include doxycycline, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides.