Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients with Tularemia in Yozgat Region, Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: We describe some characteristics (epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic and treatment features) of the disease.Methods: Epidemiological and clinical features of the patients with laboratory confirmed tularemia were reviewed retrospectively in Yozgat during two-year period.Results: In total 13 patients with tularemia were included into this study. The mean age was 33±15years (range10to58), ten of them were female. The duration of complaints before admission to hospital was 12 days. As possible risk factors; two patients were living in endemic rural area; seven cases used natural water and eight cases consumed infected meat. Oropharyngeal tularemia was diagnosed in all cases. Sore throat, chills, fever and cervical mass were the most common complaints of patients. Nine cases had enlarged lymphadenopathies bilaterally. Ciprofloxacin and doxycycline combination was the most common treatment. The patients received therapy for up to 21 days and were considered successfully treated in the follow up. Death or serious complications were not observed. Conclusion:Tularemia should be considered in patients presenting with lymphadenopathy, fever, sorethroat and unresponsive to beta-lactam. Therefore, healthcare workers and community should be educated for the risk factors of the disease.