Tularemia – an unusual cause of a solitary pulmonary nodule in the post-transplant setting

Abstract

We report a case of tularemia presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule following syngeneic PBSC transplant. Seven months after undergoing a syngeneic PBSC transplant for AML, our patient presented with fever without localizing signs. Chest X-ray revealed a solitary pulmonary nodule. Culture of a CT guided needle aspiration revealed Francisella tularensis. The patient was successfully treated with ciprofloxacin. His fever resolved and clearance of the nodule was documented on a CT scan 2 months after diagnosis and initiation of treatment. To our knowledge, this is the only reported case of tularemia occurring in the post-transplant setting. The possible relationship between transplant-induced immune dysfunction and the occurrence of this rare infection is discussed.