Algorithm of Laboratory Diagnostics Applied for Examination of Ixodic Ticks for Tularemia

Put forward is the algorithm of laboratory diagnostics applied for examination of Ixodic ticks (IT) for tularemia. It involves carrying out primary screening of tick suspensions for the presence of species-specific fragments of DNA and antigen. It is recommended that laboratory analysis starts with PCR, taking into account its high sensitivity and diagnostic value. Pools with positive PCR tests are subjected to verification by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immune-chromatographic tests. In case of tularemia antigen detection, these pools of IT are examined with the help of biological or bacteriological techniques to isolate the agent.