Epidemiological characteristics of Cutaneous Anthrax in Golestan Province, 2014-15

Background: Anthrax is one of the zoonosis disease which is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals.Objectives: This study was designed to determine the Epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous Anthrax in Golestan Province.Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was performed on 31 patients that was positive their laboratory smear test and referred to health centers of Golestan Province during 2015-16. Patient’s characteristics such as age, sex, habitat, sites and number of ulcer(s), month and years of incidence, job and Status of contact with animals were registered. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18 and was determined the location of villages with positive cases on maps of Golestan Province in Arc Map Ver. 9.3.Results: From 31 under care patients, 23 cases (74.2%) were males and 8 cases (25.8%) wereFemales. 31 patients (100%) resided in rural areas, the most frequent age group was 20-29 years old (32.3%). Hands were the most common sites of ulcer (87.2%) and 97% of the patients with one ulcer. The highest prevalence of disease was observed in summer season (77.4%). 61.3% of patients have history of animal slaughter and Contact with viscera of animals.Conclusion: Slaughter of infected animals with anthrax is the most important Transmission Method of disease to human in Golestan Province.

Keywords:

Anthrax , Epidemiology , GIS , Golestan