Tularemia in the differential diagnosis of exudative tonsillitis and skin manifestations in progress: two case reports

Abstract

Tularemia is zoonotic infection diseases that caused by Francisella tularensis. Oropharyngeal tularemia has been seen the most frequently in our country. Oropharyngeal tularemia may be presented with fever, exudative tonsillitis/pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, and ulcers in the oral mucosa. Secondary skin rashes may be seen in tularemia. Our cases were presented with fever, headache and sore throat. Physical examination of the patients demonstrated exudative tonsillitis, erythema nodosum and papular rash. Patients’ complaints and clinical findings decreased with initiation of early and appropriate treatment. Tularemia should be remembered in the differential diagnosis of exudative tonsillitis, especially in endemic areas. It should be noted that, secondary skin manifestations can be seen in the course of tularemia.