Anthrax in a Scottish intravenous drug user.

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is an uncommon disease in the United Kingdom. In December 2009, the first recorded case of injectable anthrax in the UK was diagnosed in Glasgow, Scotland. This case report describes the disease presentation in a detained person in police custody in Dumfries, South West Scotland. The case highlights to forensic physicians the clinical features of anthrax, particularly in relation to intravenous drug misuse and the importance of early recognition. Anthrax and its presence in the UK is discussed.