A RARE CAUSE OF BLINDNESS: CUTANEOUS ANTHRAX

Introduction: Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The disease affects domestic herbivorous animals such as sheep, horses, cattle, and others. It is transmitted to humans via infected animals and animal products. Entrance routes for the organism include the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. The most frequently seen form is cutaneous anthrax. Culture is the gold standard for diagnosis. Penicillin is the first-choice therapeutic agent. Successful results can be achieved with timely diagnosis and proper treatment of cutaneous anthrax. Case presentation: A 34-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic complaining of an inability to open the right upper and lower eyelid and the presence of necrotic black eschar. Examination revealed the presence of serosanguinous leak, hyperemia and extensive edema. Anamnesis, including slaughter of a sick bovine animal 15 days previously and the presence of a typical lesion, was suggested the diagnosis. Conclusion: Eyelid involvement of anthrax is rarely seen. Anthrax on the eyelid may result in cicatricial ectropion, corneal scarring and blindness. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pustules or ulcers of the eyelids.