ACUTE HEMORRHAGIC ASCITES AND FULMINANT SEPSIS DUE TO ANTHRAX

Anthrax has been developed as a biologic warfare agent. One millionth of a gram of anthrax spores constitutes a lethal inhalation dose, and a kilogram of it, has the potential to kill hundreds of thousands of people. Anthrax is a relatively common zoonosis in developing countries. The etiologic agent is Bacillus anthracis. Transmission to human is usually by contamination of skin abrasions with the bacilli or spores. The most common presentation is a black necrotic skin wound (95%). Fulminant sepsis, acute abdominal pain, and ascites are among rare forms of the disease, and it is especially very rare if all of them occur in one patient. Extracutaneous forms of anthrax are generally very dangerous and life-threatening. Therefore, early recognition and prompt treatment are the most crucial steps to save the life of patients.