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NC Department of Health and Human Services
State Laboratory of Public Health
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Bioterrorism - Agents of Concern

Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis on CHAB
F. tularensis on CHAB @ 48hrs (PHIL)

Colony Characteristics

  • Poor growth on sheep blood agar.
  • Growth on chocolate, Thayer-Martin, and horse blood agar: 1-3 mm, gray-white to bluish-gray with a smooth flat surface at 48-72 hrs.
  • Ability to grow on sheep blood agar diminishes after sub-culturing.
  • Does not grow on MacConkey or EMB agar.

Francisella tularensis 48 hours Horse Blood
F. tularensis on Horse Blood Agar @48 hrs (NCSLPH)
 Francisella tularensis on CHAB
F. tularensis on Sheep Blood Agar @48 hrs (NCSLPH)

Microscopic

Francisella microscopic

  • Faintly staining, very tiny Gram-negative coccobacillus, most appear as single cells.
  • Cells appear smaller than those of Brucella spp.

Oxidase Negative
Urease Negative
Non-Motile

Refer to the ASM Sentinel Level Clinical Guidelines. If Francisella tularensis cannot be ruled out, contact the BTEP Unit Duty Phone 24/7 at (919) 807-8600.


SLPH Bioterrorism Information


 

NCDHHS

Updated: August 5, 2026