Serology looks for antibodies — it's cheap and widely available, but antibodies take 1‑2 weeks to appear. PCR detects bacterial DNA — it's fast (hours) and specific, but requires a lab and trained staff. The tularemia market research shows that serological testing holds the largest share, but molecular diagnostics is the fastest‑growing, with a CAGR above 6%. Why the shift? Because early diagnosis saves lives, and PCR can detect tularemia before antibodies develop.

What's the challenge? PCR is expensive and not available in rural areas. The tularemia market trends highlight that the fastest‑growing end‑user segment is research institutions, which are developing new diagnostic platforms (CRISPR‑based tests, portable sequencers).

But serology is still useful for late‑presenting patients and for seroprevalence studies. The two methods are complementary, not competitive.

The bottom line: if tularemia is suspected, order both PCR (acute) and serology (convalescent). One test is not enough.