Human anthrax in Iran: an epidemiological study of 468 cases

The study of 468 cases of cutaneous anthrax admitted to the Firoozabadi Hospital during the 13 years show that 59.83% of cases were male and 40.17% female. 42.93% of patients were below the age 30. As occupational background concerned 27.86% belongs to industrial workers. On the other hand 20.73% of cases have contracted the disease through contact with sick animals whereas 74.24% have the history of contacts with animal products and 5% have infected due to the use of spidab. All patients were treated by penicillin or other antibiotics. 78 cases having massive oedema were additionally treated with cortisone. The death rate was slightly higher in females when compared with males.