Palpebral Anthrax, A rare, important issue in rural areas

Purpose: To report a patient with localized palpebral anthrax Methods: Case presentation: An eight-year old boy was presented with a generalized lid edema in both sides and high grade fever starting 5 days before the admission. Then a black painless, necrotic and ulcerative lesion was appeared in the left lids. He was living in rural areas and had a history of direct contact with animal products. Considering his social history and clinical manifestations, anthrax is the most probable diagnosis. After performing a smear and bacterial culture from the necrotic tissues and consulting with pediatric infectious specialist, we started the antibiotic therapy with Oral Ciprofloxacin 375 mg twice a day. The bacterial culture proved our diagnosis. In later days, the lesion started to heal and body temperature became normal. After complete healing, the patient was discharged and he was recommended to come to the clinic for further follow up in the near future. Results: Same as method Conclusion: Bacillus Anthracis, is an arerobic gram-positive rod that involves various organs and can cause a potentially lethal disease. Localized eyelid infection, is a rare presentation of cutaneous anthrax that can causesome permanent sequels including ectropion, corneal scaring and also optic atrophy. Consequently, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lid infections, especially in patients with the history of direct contact with animals.