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[Human carbuncle (anthrax) Presentation of a case]
Insights
This case study details a rare instance of human anthrax in a 12-month-old child, presenting with widespread pustules and severe systemic symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment led to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Bacteriology
- Public health microbiology
Background:
- Human anthrax (Bacillus anthracis infection) is rare, especially in infants.
- Understanding atypical presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare zoonotic diseases in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- A 12-month-old child presented with a unique clinical picture of extensive skin pustules.
- The presentation included significant respiratory and neurological manifestations, complicating initial diagnosis.
- The rarity of anthrax in the region further challenged clinical suspicion.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed via bacterial cultures from skin lesions.
- Treatment involved intravenous sodium crystalline penicillin followed by potassium V penicillin.
- The patient demonstrated a satisfactory clinical response to antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for heightened awareness of anthrax in pediatric cases, even in low-prevalence areas.
- Prompt microbiological diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial stewardship are vital for favorable outcomes.
- Further research into pediatric anthrax epidemiology and clinical presentations is warranted.
Abstract:
A case of human anthrax in a 12-month-old child is presented. Most recent literature and pathophysiology of this disease was reviewed. Our attention was called upon patient's age, rarity of this disease in our country and mainly, the form of presentation which difficulted the clinical and laboratory diagnosis. It was characterized by the presence of pustules over the entire surface of the body, with respiratory and neurological manifestations. Diagnosis was made on the basis of cultures of skin lesions and treatment was done with sodium crystalline penicillin and later, potassium V penicillin. Progress was satisfactory and the patient was discharged after 24 days of hospital stay.