Retrospective Evaluation of 13 Cases of Anthrax in Children: A Clinical and Therapeutic Perspective.

BACKGROUND

Anthrax is a zoonotic infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, predominantly affecting livestock, and may be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected animals.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all children aged 0-18 years who presented to Erzurum City Hospital, a major regional referral center, between January 2019 and January 2020 and were either clinically diagnosed with anthrax or identified as high-risk contacts and received prophylaxis. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, as well as treatment regimens, were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 13 children (median age: 9 years; range: 4-16) were included; 11 (84.6%) were male and 2 (15.4%) were female. All children were from rural areas; 10 (76.9%) had direct contact with sick animals or consumed contaminated animal products, and four (30.7%) asymptomatic children were evaluated due to a high-risk exposure. Cutaneous anthrax occurred in 9 (69.2%) patients, involving the hands (5/9, 55.5%), forearms (2/9, 22.2%), and feet (2/9, 22.2%), all of whom developed a characteristic black eschar. Cultures and PCR were negative in all cases, and diagnoses were based on clinical and epidemiological criteria. Prophylaxis consisted of oral ciprofloxacin; therapeutic regimens included ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. No complications or deaths occurred during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Anthrax should be considered in children with painless black-eschar lesions and a history of contact with infected animals in endemic regions. Early recognition and appropriate treatment may prevent complications.