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Anthrax in infants and children in Afghanistan

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Abstract

Five cases of cutaneous anthrax among children have been reported. Except one child who was 9-year old, all contracted the disease between 7 months to 1 year of age. The disease was characterized by a solitary painless charcoal-black eschar surrounded by nonpitting massive oedema. In one case, the infection was transmitted from mother to her 7 month old infant which appears to be the second report of mother-to-child mode of spread of anthrax. The response to benzyl penicillin was dramatic in four cases but a 10 month old boy with malignant pustule on the nape of neck died due to upper airway compression because of massive regional oedema. It is emphasized that the clinical picture of cutaneous anthrax is so characteristic that the diagnosis can be made without laboratory support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Child Health, Kabul, Afghanistan

    L. S. Arya M.D., D.C.H., A. Saidali M.D., M. A. Qureshi M.D. & Meharban Singh M.D. (Director)

Authors
  1. L. S. Arya M.D., D.C.H.
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  2. A. Saidali M.D.
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  3. M. A. Qureshi M.D.
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  4. Meharban Singh M.D.
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Arya, L.S., Saidali, A., Qureshi, M.A. et al. Anthrax in infants and children in Afghanistan. Indian J Pediatr 49, 529–534 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02834559

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