Results of the monitoring for tularemia disease in the summer and autumn seasons, Azerbaijan, 2022

Abstract

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, with natural foci confirmed in Azerbaijan, particularly in mountainous and wetland ecosystems. This study presents the results of seasonal monitoring conducted in 2022 by the Special Dangerous Infections Control Centre, aiming to detect the presence of F. tularensis in rodent and tick populations during summer and autumn. A total of 1217 samples were collected and analyzed, including 1161 rodent organ samples and 250 tick specimens. Bacteriological methods did not yield F. tularensis cultures; however, molecular analysis using PCR identified one positive tick sample in the autumn season. The infected tick was taxonomically classified as Dermacentor marginatus. These findings emphasize the importance of continued surveillance in historically endemic areas and suggest a need for preventive measures even in currently inactive natural foci. The results provide a basis for strengthening public health response systems in Azerbaijan through early detection and risk assessment strategies targeting potential vector-borne outbreaks.