Evaluation of Oculocutaneous Anthrax. a Series of 20 Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous anthrax is the most common clinical presentation of human anthrax. This study presents an evaluation of cases of ocular lesions from cutaneous anthrax. Methods: A total of 20 patients who attended the emergency department of Yuzuncu Yil University, School of Medicine between 2007 and 2013 were enrolled in the study. Results: 65% of the cases were female and 35% were male. The mean age was 29.16+/-14.80. In 60% there were periorbital lesions in the right eye. 90% of the patients had a history of contact with animals or had eaten animal meat. The mean starting time of lesion was 3.2+/-1.2 days before admittance. In 75% of the cases the diagnosis was based on the characteristic appearance of the lesion and the patient's history. All the patients spent 9.9+/-4.3 days in hospital. Upper eyelid scar tissue and ectropion were found respectively in 20 % and 10 % of the cases. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment can facilitate recovery and prevent the development of eyelid complications.