Tularemia is most commonly associated with which exposure?

• A. Inhalation of spores
• B. Ingestion of contaminated water
• C. Tick bite
• D. Exposure to animal products

Answer: (D)

Tularemia is a zoonotic infection from Francisella tularensis, and the most common way people contract it is through contact with infected animals or animal products, especially handling wild game like rabbits and processing their meat or hides. This cleanly explains why animal products is the best answer: the bacteria enter through skin breaches or mucous membranes during such contact. While tick bites and inhalation of aerosols are recognized transmission routes, they are not as commonly the source of exposure as direct contact with infected animal tissues. Ingestion of contaminated water can also occur but is less typical than handling animal products.