How do individuals most commonly get infected by the pathogen that causes tularemia?

The method through which individuals most commonly get infected by the pathogen that causes tularemia is through direct contact with infected rodents. Tularemia, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, is primarily associated with wild animals, particularly rodents such as rabbits, marmots, and voles.

Individuals can become infected when handling or being in close proximity to these infected animals, particularly if they come into contact with breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. This direct contact can occur through skinning, handling, or consumption of undercooked meat from infected animals. Moreover, the bacterium can also enter the body through handling contaminated materials or environments where infected animals have been present.

Other transmission methods, such as inhaling contaminated dust or ingesting contaminated water, do occur but are less common in terms of frequency of infection in comparison to direct contact with infected animals. The role that fleas play in transmitting tularemia is minimal and does not represent the primary infection route for humans. Thus, while there are multiple ways tularemia can be contracted, contact with infected rodents stands out as the most common and significant route of infection.