A rare and dangerous hand infection caused by Francisella tularensis after a mouse bite

Tularemia Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Septic Arthritis: A Case Report

CASE

A case of Francisella tularensis finger proximal interphalangeal joint septic arthritis secondary to feral cat bite is presented. The patient underwent operative debridement on presentation. On postoperative day 5, a gram-negative rod resembling F. tularensis was identified. The patient received 4 weeks of gentamicin for culture-confirmed ulceroglandular tularemia. At the final follow-up, the infection had resolved, and full function of the digit had been regained.

CONCLUSION

Francisella tularensis septic arthritis secondary to a feral cat bite is exceedingly rare but should be considered in the appropriate clinical context. Proper identification and treatment with antibiotics is essential for a positive outcome.

Tularemia Transmission to Humans, the Netherlands, 2011–2021

We used national registry data on human cases of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica infection to assess transmission modes among all 26 autochthonous cases in the Netherlands since 2011. The results indicate predominance of terrestrial over aquatic animal transmission sources. We recommend targeting disease-risk communication toward hunters, recreationists, and outdoor professionals.