Anthrax Seroprevalence in Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that is caused by Bacillus Anthracis is transmitted to humans through infected animal. The transmission to humans occurs when there is a contact to animals or animal products contracting anthrax. Clinical skin manifestations and anthrax serum IgG antibody can be used to diagnose infected anthrax animals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anthrax based on ELISA serum IgG antibody and clinical skin manifestations occurring in patients with anthrax. Subjects and Method: This was a descriptive study with cross sectional design conducted in Sragen district, Central, Indonesia, in 2015. A sample of 101 patients infected with anthrax was examined based on clinical skin manifestations and anthrax serum IgG antibody. Results: 39.6% of the sample was 21 to 40 years of age. 57.4% of the sample was female. 74% of the sample completed primary school. 21% worked as farmers. 30.5% of the sample who cooked and consumed meat showed positive IgG. Test results showed serum IgG antibody negative 50%, 15.8% and 33.7% borderline positive. Clinical manifestations in the skin as much as 11.9%, which is the eschar on all respondents and 92.8% showed positive IgG. While 88.1% did not show any clinical signs of anthrax. Conclusion: The increase in serum antibody titer IgG anthrax is not all respondents were exposed, in an area that otherwise outbreak of anthrax, which is only a third of all respondents, and when it comes up eschar will be followed by an increase in IgG antibody titer.