Isolation of Francisella tularensis biovar palaearctica from human blood.

Francisella tularensis septicemia has previously been reported in the USA, where Francisella tularensis biovar tularensis (type A) occurs endemically. The present report describes two cases of septicemia caused by the Euro-Asian Francisella tularensis biovar palaearctica (type B). The patients lived in an endemic region of Sweden and presented with high fever and pneumonia. Both patients recovered. The ability of Francisella tularensis biovar palaearctica to cause bacteremia has consequences for laboratory safety.