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Cutaneous anthrax in Lima, Peru: retrospective analysis of 71 cases, including four with a meningoencephalic

Ciro Maguiña1, Jorge Flores Del Pozo, Angélica Terashima

  • 1Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. cirom@upch.edu.pe

Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|February 25, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cutaneous anthrax, a zoonotic disease endemic in Peru, primarily affects agricultural workers. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe neurological complications like meningoencephalitis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Anthrax, caused by *Bacillus anthracis*, is a zoonotic disease endemic in various global regions, including Peru.
  • Cutaneous anthrax represents over 95% of naturally acquired human infections, with a potential progression to meningoencephalitis in approximately 5% of cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous anthrax patients in Lima, Peru.
  • To highlight the importance of considering cutaneous anthrax in the differential diagnosis of skin ulcers and the need for prompt treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 71 patients diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax between 1969 and 2002.
  • Data collection included patient demographics, occupation, lesion characteristics, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The study included 71 patients (69% male, mean age 37 years), predominantly agricultural workers (39%).
  • Most patients presented with multiple ulcerative lesions, primarily on the upper limbs. Four patients (5.6%) developed meningoencephalitis, with three fatalities.
  • The source of infection was identified in 88.7% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • Cutaneous anthrax should be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin ulcers, especially in endemic areas.
  • Prompt and effective treatment is essential to prevent potentially fatal neurological complications such as meningoencephalitis.

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