Human Cutaneous Anthrax ? A Re-emerging Zoonosis ? A Case Study

Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by the spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. It is primarily a disease of the animals particularly affecting cattle, sheep, goat and other herbivorous livestock. Humans become infected only when they come into contact with infected animals or their products. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 95 % of cases. Case History Eight farmers living in close association with the cattle developed lesions suggestive of cutaneous anthrax. Method Pus samples collected from the suspected lesions were subjected to Grams stain and culture. Result B. anthracis was isolated in culture and was confirmed by biochemical tests.