Related Experiment Videos
Cutaneous anthrax in Turkey: a review of 32 cases
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Haydarpaşa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. oraloncul@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Anthrax, caused by the Gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is rarely seen in industrialized nations but is common in developing countries. Cutaneous anthrax accounts for 95% of cases and usually develops on exposed sites. This study reviews the clinical and laboratory findings of 32 patients diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax over a 4-y period in the eastern part of Turkey. All patients had a history of direct contact with infected animals. The patients, aged 6-72 y, comprised 17 (53%) males and 15 (47%) females. The most frequent localization site of skin lesions was the hands and fingers (31 patients), whereas the suborbital part of the face was invaded in 1 patient. The diagnosis was made as a result of typical clinical lesions, direct microscopy or bacterial isolation. All but 2 patients were successfully treated with penicillin; these other 2 patients were treated initially with sulbactam-ampicillin. All patients, including the patient with suborbital anthrax, were cured.
Insights
Cutaneous anthrax, a bacterial infection from Bacillus anthracis, is common in developing countries. This study found most cases occurred on hands and fingers, with successful treatment using penicillin.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive bacterium.
- Cutaneous anthrax represents 95% of human cases and typically affects exposed skin.
- The disease is rare in industrialized nations but prevalent in developing countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical and laboratory findings of cutaneous anthrax patients.
- To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and treatment outcomes in eastern Turkey.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 32 patients diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax over a 4-year period.
- Diagnosis confirmed via clinical presentation, direct microscopy, or bacterial isolation.
- Patient data including age, sex, lesion site, and treatment were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 32 patients (17 males, 15 females; age 6-72 years) were diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax.
- Most lesions (31 patients) were on hands and fingers; one patient had suborbital involvement.
- All patients had a history of contact with infected animals.
- Penicillin was effective in 30 patients; sulbactam-ampicillin was used for 2 patients.
- All patients achieved a full recovery.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous anthrax is primarily associated with animal contact in this region of Turkey.
- Hands and fingers are the most common sites for skin lesions.
- Penicillin remains an effective treatment for cutaneous anthrax, leading to successful outcomes.