Fatal meningoencephalitis due to Bacillus anthracis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis.
• Meningoencephalitis is a dangerous inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes.

Observation:

• A 13-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and worsening headache.
• Initial lumbar puncture suggested Bacillus cereus, leading to treatment with ampicillin and cefotaxime.
• The patient died within 3 days of hospitalization.

Findings:

• The causative agent was confirmed as Bacillus anthracis through blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures.
• This represents the first reported fatal case of anthrax meningoencephalitis in Hong Kong in six decades.

Implications:

• Highlights the critical need for rapid and accurate diagnosis of rare infectious diseases.
• Underscores the potential for Bacillus anthracis to cause severe neurological complications.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering anthrax in differential diagnoses, even in regions with low incidence.