Tularemia on the rise in Switzerland? A one health approach is needed!

AbstractIn the last 10  years, an increase in tularemia cases has been observed in both humans and animals in Switzerland. In these, infection withFrancisella tularensis, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia, can occur  through arthropod vectors or contact to infected animals or exposure to contaminated environmental sources. Currently, we are only able to postulate potential aetiologies: (i) behavioral changes of humans with more exposure to endemic habitats of infected arthropod vectors; (ii) an increased rate of tularemia infected ticks; (iii) increasing number and geographical regions of tick biotopes; (iv) increasing and/or more diverse reservoir populations; (v) increasing presence of bacteria in the environment; (vi) raised awareness and increased testing among physicians; (vii) improved laboratory techniques including molecular testing. To approach these questions, a one-health strategy is necessary. A functioning collaboration between public health, human medicine, and diagnostic and veterinary units for the control of tularemia must be established. Furthermore, the public s hould be included within citizen-supported-science-projects.
Source: Infection - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research