Use of RNA Hybridization in the Diagnosis of a Case of Ulceroglandular Tularemia

摘要

A case study in which 16S ribosomal RNA of Francisella tularensis weresuccessfully used in the diagnosis of a wound specimen from a patient with ulceroglandular tularemia is presented. A genus specific probe was constructed from the 16S ribosomal RNA which was used in the diagnosis. It was shown that the hybridization technique is much more rapid than culture procedures and carries a lower risk of laboratory infection. As illustrated, the hybridization procedure is also useful for determination of the Francisella tularensis biovar.