The in vitro susceptibility to antibiotics was determined in 38 strains of Francisella tularensis palaearctica . The MIC(90) values for quinolones were low, 0.016 mg/l for both ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Susceptibility to the antibiotics traditionally used to treat tularaemia was poorer: tetracycline (MIC(90) 0.38 mg/l, streptomycin (MIC(90) 4.0 mg/l, tobramycin (MIC(90) 1.5 mg/l, and gentamicin (MIC(90) 1.0 mg/l.
In a case series study , 12 paediatric patients (median age 4 years; range 1 to 10) with ulceroglandular tularaemia were treated with a 10- to 14-day course of oral ciprofloxacin, 15 to 20 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses. Defervescence occurred within 4 days of the institution of the antibiotic in all patients. In 2 cases, treatment was withdrawn after 3 and 7 days because of rash. In both cases a second episode of fever occurred. All children recovered without complications.