Human Tularemia Epididymo-Orchitis Caused by Francisella tularensis Subspecies holartica, Austria

Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Oct;29(10):2105-2107. doi: 10.3201/eid2910.230436.

Abstract

A previously healthy man in Austria had tularemia epididymo-orchitis develop, leading to unilateral orchiectomy. Francisella tularensis subspecies holartica was detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of inflamed granulomatous testicular tissue. Clinicians should suspect F. tularensis as a rare etiologic microorganism in epididymo-orchitis patients with relevant risk factors.

Keywords: Austria; Francisella tularensis subspecies holartica; bacteria; epididymo-orchitis; human tularemia; orchiectomy; tularemia; zoonoses.

MeSH terms

  • Austria / epidemiology
  • Francisella tularensis* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orchitis*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Tularemia* / diagnosis
  • Tularemia* / epidemiology

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S