Unusual cause of fatal anthrax meningitis

Abstract

We report the case of fatal anthrax meningoencephalitis in the province of Muş located in eastern Anatolia, Turkey. The organism isolated from cerebrospinal fluid was identified as Bacillus anthracis. The patient was treated with crystallized penicillin G (24 MU/day IV) and ciprofloxacin (2 × 400/day IV), but died 5 days after hospitalization. Although it is a rare case, we consider that the patients who have skin, respiratory and neurological systems might also have hemorrhagic meningitis.

• Anthrax
• Bacillus anthracis
• cutaneous anthrax
• hemorrhagic meningitis
• intraparenchymal hemorrhage

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.