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Abstract

Introduction:

Anthrax remains endemic to some parts of southern India including Pondicherry. Among various forms of the infection, gastrointestinal anthrax appears to be the least common. Cases of inhalational anthrax causing sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation:

We report the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of gastrointestinal anthrax with sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation from India. The patient ate raw meat under the influence of alcohol, following which he developed fever and gastrointestinal bleeding. Later, he presented with ascites, intracerebral haemorrhage, haematuria and a deranged coagulation profile. Culture of his blood yielded . He succumbed to the infection after 18 h of admission in the intensive care unit. The case was reported to the public health authorities for the necessary follow‐up and preventive measures.

Conclusion:

Gastrointestinal anthrax can have various non‐specific clinical manifestations, making diagnosis difficult. Meticulous history taking, a high index of suspicion and prompt institution of antibiotics with or without surgical intervention is likely to improve outcomes.

  • This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
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2015-02-01
2024-03-28
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