Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)

[Naahidah]

I have been very ill for 7 years, I've been bounced around to several physicians (15), neurologists, ents, multiple hospital visits etc. I was told there was nothing wrong with me.  It was all "in my head".  I knew something was seriously wrong with me. I finally went to a specialist it took me a few months to get in to see and I had to pay out of pocket.  They tested me for everything under the sun that doctors don't typically test for I tested positive for Franciscella tularensis, positive in IgG as well as positive in IgM.  I have been prescribed doxy for 21 days with follow ups every 2 weeks. Also have a high giardia lamblia count and am on a separate antibiotic for that as well. Fair enough, I came home from the doctors, hopped online tonight and saw what "rabbit scratch fever" is, it's rarity, as well how lethal it can be untreated. I don't know how long I've had it and am now late at night severely concerned. I can't find any patient stories of people who have had it, and wonder if any doctors on here have treated this before or have any experiences to share.

[maatson]

Clinically Mild Tularemia Associated with Tick-Borne Francisella tularensis
G. P. Schmid, A. N. Kornblatt*, C. A. Connors†, C. Patton, J. Camey‡, J. Hobbs and A. F. Kaufmann
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Volume 148, Issue 1Pp. 63-67

This article mentions about the possibility of a mild infection. Possibly you are carrying the antibodies to an earlier infection. Only a raising titre of antibodies would be diagnostic of present infection.

[ibvs]

If you've had symptoms for 7 years, it's unlikely that Tularemia is what's causing your problems.  What are your symptoms anyway?  If you've seen so many doctors and they haven't figured it out, it's unlikely that we would, but I'm still curious as to what you have.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
I understand your concern regarding tularemia infection. Tularemia is not known to be spread from person to person and symptoms usually appear 3 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. If you have had symptoms for 7 years already, further evaluation may need to be done to determine other possible issues present. Indeed, early antibiotic therapy is recommended as well as for antibiotic prophylaxis. Untreated infection can lead to complications  such as pneumonia. It is recommended that you go for follow-up for proper monitoring. Take care and do keep us posted.