Cutaneous Anthrax in a Farmer Man: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Anthrax is an acute infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, an anaerobic, spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium. Anthrax disease is a common disease among herbivores and humans that is transmitted to humans through direct contact with farm animals that are sick or have died of anthrax. Case Summary: A 43-year-old man having livestock as a profession had a cutaneous anthrax infection on the dorsal surface of his left thumb. The patient was infected with anthrax by slaughtering a sheep infected with Bacillus anthracis. He was treated with penicillin after an early diagnosis of anthrax bacillus. Conclusion: Anthrax infection is a highly contagious disease, and early detection is very important. There is a need to strengthen the health care system for farm animals and educate farmers on how not to consume the meat of diseased carcasses and how to dispose them of hygienically, especially in high-risk areas. © 2022 Hassan Mahmoudi.