Cutaneous Anthrax: Evaluation of 27 Cases

Abstract

Introduction: While the incidence of anthrax is decreasing in Turkey, it is still endemic in some regions of the country. In this study, it was aimed to develop preventive methods by determining the characteristics of cutaneous anthrax after assessing the literature over the last six years (2013-2019) of cutaneous anthrax cases in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The studies carried out in the last six years on cutaneous anthrax were examined retrospectively. Diagnosis, physical examinations, vital signs, laboratory results, medical treatments of the evaluated cases were performed and tables on demographic characteristics were developed. Results: Patients' age ranged from 8 to 65 years. A total of 13 patients (48.1%) who were assessed were males. The source of infection was contact with infected animal and its products in 23 cases (85.2%), husbandry in 2 cases (7.4%), contact with infected blood in one case (3.7%), and being in the same environment with an anthrax diagnosed patient in one case (3.7%). As a result of microbiological investigations, it was found out that 10 patients (37%) had Bacillus anthracis. All patients received penicillin treatment. Only three patients were surgically treated. Treatment resulted in recovery in 26 cases. Conclusion: In order to prevent the disease, preventive measures such as training of risky individuals dealing with animal husbandry and vaccination of animals will reduce the incidence of the disease.