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.