Three eyelid localized cutaneous anthrax cases.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Anthrax is a serious infectious disease with global health implications, exacerbated by bioterrorism concerns.
• Palpebral anthrax, a rare manifestation of cutaneous anthrax, specifically affects the eyelids.
• Untreated cutaneous anthrax poses a lethal risk and can lead to severe complications.

Observation:

• This report details three cases of palpebral anthrax in patients of varying ages.
• All cases involved eyelid infections.
• The patients presented with symptoms that could be mistaken for preseptal cellulitis.

Findings:

• Prompt diagnosis and timely treatment were successfully implemented in all three cases.
• All patients experienced complete recovery without any long-term complications.
• The early intervention prevented sequelae such as cicatrization and ectropion.

Implications:

• Anthrax should be included in the differential diagnosis for preseptal cellulitis, especially in high-risk areas.
• Early detection and management of palpebral anthrax are vital for favorable patient outcomes.
• This case series highlights the importance of recognizing rare presentations of anthrax for effective public health surveillance and patient care.