Periocular cutaneous anthrax in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: a case series.
BACKGROUND
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. Naturally occurring human infection is rare and is generally the result of contact with anthrax-infected animals or animal products.


METHODS
We examined three patients who had contact with presumed anthrax-infected animal and/or its product and presented with preseptal cellulitis with a localized itchy erythematous papule of the eyelid and non-pitting periorbital edema, followed by ulceration and dark eschar formation. All the three patients responded to intravenous antibiotics, and the lesion resolved leaving scars which caused cicatricial ectropion in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Anthrax is a rare disease but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ulcerative (and eschar forming) preseptal cellulitis with a history of contact with anthrax-infected animals or animal products. Furthermore, cicatrization of the eyelids, one of the sequelae of periocular cutaneous anthrax, should be addressed. Urgent case report to the local zoonotic disease and infection control body and other responsible authorities is recommended.
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, PO Box: 440, Jimma, Ethiopia. dryeshi@yahoo.com
Yeshigeta
Y
Gelaw
Tsedeke
T
Asaminew
D000328:Adult; D000881:Anthrax / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005002:Ethiopia; D005123:Eye; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis*