Case report: A case of cutaneous anthrax guided by metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology

Abstract

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Anthrax is an acute zoonotic infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. It is categorized as a Class B (reported within 24 h of onset, including pulmonary anthrax, which is managed as a Class A infectious disease and reported within 2 h of onset) infectious disease in China. Human anthrax infection primarily occurs through direct or indirect contact with infected animals. This study reports a case of cutaneous anthrax where typical anthrax colonies were observed in conventional microbial cultures, and large Gram-positive rods with squared ends were visible under the microscope. The results from metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) suggested the presence of Bacillus anthracis. This research explores the value of combining traditional microbiology with mNGS technology for the early diagnosis and therapy of infectious diseases.

Keywords

• Bacillus anthracis
• cutaneous anthrax
• metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology
• infection
• culture