Cutaneous Anthrax in Childhood: A Case Report

Abstract

Anthrax is a zoonosis produced by Bacillus anthracis, and as a human infection is endemic in several areas of the world, including Turkey. The most common form of the disease is cutaneous anthrax, which accounts for 95% of all cases. We report here a 10 years old girl who had a history of exposure to infected sheep, and presented with a black necrotic lesion on the left hand, and edema with hiperemia on the left arm. B. anthracis was demonstrated by direct smear and culture from the lesion. This case presentation demonstrates that cutaneous anthrax should be considered in any patient with a painless necrotic ulcer with vesicles, and a history of exposure to animals.

Keywords

• Anthrax
• Cutaneous
• Child
• Bacillus anthracis