Retrospective Evaluation of 13 Cases of Anthrax in Children: A Clinical and Therapeutic Perspective

Background: Anthrax is a zoonotic infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, predominantly affecting livestock, and may be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected animals. Methods: This retrospective study included all children aged 0–18 years who presented to Erzurum City Hospital, a major regional referral center, between January 2019 and January 2020 and were either clinically diagnosed with anthrax or identified as high-risk contacts and received prophylaxis. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, as well as treatment regimens, were evaluated. Results: A total of 13 children (median age: 9 years; range: 4–16) were included; 11 (84.6%) were male and 2 (15.4%) were female. All children were from rural areas; 10 (76.9%) had direct contact with sick animals or consumed contaminated animal products, and four (30.7%) asymptomatic children were evaluated due to a high-risk exposure. Cutaneous anthrax occurred in 9 (69.2%) patients, involving the hands (5/9, 55.5%), forearms (2/9, 22.2%), and feet (2/9, 22.2%), all of whom developed a characteristic black eschar. Cultures and PCR were negative in all cases, and diagnoses were based on clinical and epidemiological criteria. Prophylaxis consisted of oral ciprofloxacin; therapeutic regimens included ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin–clavulanate. No complications or deaths occurred during follow-up. Conclusions: Anthrax should be considered in children with painless black-eschar lesions and a history of contact with infected animals in endemic regions. Early recognition and appropriate treatment may prevent complications.