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Injectional anthrax in a heroin skin-popper

S H Ringertz, E A Høiby, M Jensenius

    Lancet (London, England)
    |November 15, 2000
    PubMed

    Insights

    Anthrax, a rare bacterial disease, can occur in western Europe through contact with animal products. This case highlights a heroin user infected with Bacillus anthracis, likely from contaminated drugs, leading to severe illness.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Anthrax is uncommon in Western Europe, typically associated with animal product exposure in endemic regions.
    • Risk factors for anthrax include occupational exposure and, rarely, non-traditional routes of infection.

    Observation:

    • A heroin-injecting drug user developed severe soft-tissue infection, septic shock, and meningitis.
    • Clinical presentation mimicked severe bacterial sepsis with central nervous system involvement.

    Findings:

    • Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, endospore-forming aerobic rod, was identified.
    • The pathogen was isolated from both the soft tissue injection site and cerebrospinal fluid.
    • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmed the identification of Bacillus anthracis.

    Implications:

    • Contaminated illicit drugs, specifically heroin, are a potential vehicle for anthrax transmission.
    • This case underscores the need for heightened surveillance of anthrax in vulnerable populations, including intravenous drug users.
    • Public health awareness and interventions targeting drug supply chains may be necessary to prevent future outbreaks.

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