Abstract

MANIAS, Valeria et al. Fatal antrax: first human case with meningitis and bacteremia documented in Argentina. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2017, vol.37, n.2, pp.66-70. ISSN 1315-2556.

Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis. In humans produces skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal infections and, less frequently, meningitis. The first case in Argentina of meningitis and bacteremia due to B. anthracis is reported. He was an adult patient who started with flu-like symptons and axillary lymph node inflammation which was treated as outpatient. Forty-eight hours later he was admitted to the hospital with depression of the central nervous system and thoracoabdominal trauma. The CT scan revealed a well defined mass in the left cerebral hemisphere. The patient was treated empirically with meropenem and vancomycin. He died at 48 hours due to refractory shock and cardiorespiratory arrest. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were positive for bacterial growth, but could not be identified by biochemical tests. Isolates were derived to laboratory reference centers where the etiological agent B. anthracis was confirmed by molecular means. This case highlights the importance of considering epidemiological factors in endemic areas, since the presence of flulike symptoms and swollen lymph nodes in a patient can be announcing a meningitis and a bacteremia with fatal outcome.

Keywords : anthrax; meningitis; bacteremia; Bacillus anthracis.

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