Department of Infectious Diseases University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babe

Timioara.
Cutaneous Anthrax in a patient with professional risk
Authors:Sorina Mitrescu,Mihalcea Daniela,Nan Delia,Ilies Alexandra,Oana Saceanu,Patricia
Poptelecan,Andreea Ardelean,Paliu Mirela,Conf.Dr Marincu Iosif
Anthrax is an acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.Most forms of the
disease are lethal, and it affects mostly animals. It is not contagious but can be transmitted
through contact or consumption of infected meat. Effective vaccines against anthrax are
available, and some forms of the disease respond well to antibiotic treatment. Anthrax
commonly infects wild and domesticated herbivorous mammals that ingest or inhale the spores
while grazing.
Objectives: Presenting a case of anthrax in a patient practicing as a veterinary technician
Methods: The authors present a case of anthrax, in a patient without some pathological
antecedents which is practecing as veterinary technician which it made it`s debut 2 weeks
before admission as a rash of skin.In the evolution of eruptive skin elements first became
erythematous papules and pustules with black crust formation in the central region and
perilezional edema.
Objective examination at admission offers: Condition satisfying,cooperative,temperature 37,2
C, 103/73 blood pressure mmHg, pulse 113 beats per minute, cardiopulmonary balanced,
mobile abdomen with breath, no meningeene signs.At the level of the proximal phalanx right
index shows a 2 cm diameter lesion made up of central area of 0,5 cm with black crust
surrounded by blistering and edema of wrist.
Results: Laboratory: WBC=7700 L; HGB=15,8 gd/L; HCT=45,5%; LYMPH=33,9%;
NEUT=60%; PLT=216000 L, CRP=1,42mg/L;wound secretion culture- Gram+ cocci,Gram+
bacilli.
Established treatment with: Penicillin G,4 million to 6 hours, for fourteen days, antiinflammatory drugs,antithermics,gastric antisecretory, with favorable evolution of general state
and skin elements.
Conclusions Epidemiological data- veterinary technician,clinical data- papules and pustules
with black crust formation in the central region and perilezional edema and therapeutics,they
have contributed to the diagnosis of Cutaneous Anthrax.