Respiratory tularemia treatment created

ALBANY, N.Y., June 28 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have developed a technique that has experimentally protected laboratory mice from developing respiratory tularemia.

The respiratory form of tularemia, a potentially serious bacterial disease, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate if untreated. It is also considered a potential bioterrorism tool.

Although much research is focused on fighting the bacterium that causes tularemia -- Francisella tularensis -- little is known about the role that antibodies play in protecting against infection.

In the latest study, a research team led by Dennis Metzger at the Albany Medical College in New York has discovered treating laboratory mice with a serum containing tularemia-specific antibodies protects the mice against F. tularensis, not only if given before exposure to lethal doses of inhalational F. tularensis, but also up to 48 hours after exposure.

The researchers said their findings suggest a possible alternative treatment approach to traditional antibiotics, especially useful in the case of an intentional act of bioterrorism.

The research is reported in The Journal of Immunology.