Prevalence of cutaneous anthrax and associated factors among out patients who visited selected public health facilities in Waghimra Zone- facility based record review, 2014-2018

Abstract

Abstract Background: anthrax is primarily a disease of animals caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis, humans contracted from the disease when they have contact with animal or animal products. Human Cutaneous Anthrax (HCA) or cutaneous anthrax is the most abundant form of anthrax worldwide. Method: We selected two public Hospitals in the Zone to determine the prevalence as well as the possible risk factors of cutaneous anthrax in the area. We conducted a facility based cross sectional study design. Patient records were reviewed from these selected Hospitals. Results: A total of 422 patient cards were reviewed of which 229(54.3%) belongs to male patient records and193 (45.7%) for females. Based on the records reviewed the overall prevalence of cutaneous anthrax was 12%. Slaughtering/skinning of sick/dead animal (AOR=3.04; 95%CI=1.37-6.76), presence of skin breach or cut (AOR= 10.41; 95% CI=4.77 22.69) and eating raw/ undercooked belonging to sick/ dead animal meat (AOR=6.78; 95% CI=2.94-15.63) were among the risk factors to develop cutaneous anthrax. Conclusions: The prevalence of human cutaneous anthrax in Waghimra zone was very high. We recommend healthcare providers to document patient information on the patient record whoever comes to their facility for medical care