Epidemiological characterization of human anthrax cases in Peru, 2015 - 2019

Authors

  • Ever F. Córdova-Díaz Universidad Nacional Federico Villareal, Escuela Universitaria de Posgrado. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2261-1895
  • John E. Calderón-Escalante Instituto Nacional de Salud, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública. Lima, Peru
  • Elena Vargas-Linares Ministerio de Salud, Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Prevención y Control de Enfermedades. Lima, Peru
  • Franko Garcia-Solorzano Instituto Nacional de Salud, Oficina General de Investigación y Transferencia Tecnológica. Lima, Peru
  • Catalina Bello Vidal Universidad Nacional Federico Villareal, Escuela Universitaria de Posgrado. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7913-1553

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15381/anales.v83i4.23617

Keywords:

Bacillus anthracis, Infections, Anthrax, Peru

Abstract

Introduction. The epidemiology of anthrax in Peru is poorly understood. Its high epidemic and epizootic potential could threaten public health, especially in its endemic regions. Objective. To characterize cases of human anthrax in Peru from 2015 to 2019. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out; based on data from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System and investigations of anthrax outbreaks from 2015 to 2019 in Peru. Results. 71 cases of human anthrax were registered, 34 % (n = 24) confirmed and 66 % (n = 47) probable. The most affected were males (55 %) and the age group from 30 to 59 years (45 %) , distributed mainly on the north coast of the country. The self-limited cutaneous form was the most frequent clinical presentation. 94% (n = 67) of the cases had contact with infected cattle. Conclusions. The cases of human anthrax in Peru appear as focalized outbreaks in areas with a history of zoonotic transmission. This report aims to contribute to the epidemiological knowledge of this disease and serve as input in the implementation of prevention and control measures.

Author Biographies

  • Ever F. Córdova-Díaz, Universidad Nacional Federico Villareal, Escuela Universitaria de Posgrado. Lima, Peru

    Magister en salud pública con mención en epidemiología.

  • John E. Calderón-Escalante, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Centro Nacional de Salud Pública. Lima, Peru

    Biólogo especialista en epidemiología.

  • Elena Vargas-Linares, Ministerio de Salud, Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Prevención y Control de Enfermedades. Lima, Peru

    Médica veterinario especialista en epidemiología de campo.

  • Franko Garcia-Solorzano, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Oficina General de Investigación y Transferencia Tecnológica. Lima, Peru

    Médico cirujano.

  • Catalina Bello Vidal, Universidad Nacional Federico Villareal, Escuela Universitaria de Posgrado. Lima, Peru

    Doctora en salud pública.

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Published

2022-12-23

Issue

Section

Artículo Original

How to Cite

1.
Córdova-Díaz EF, Calderón-Escalante JE, Vargas-Linares E, Garcia-Solorzano F, Bello Vidal C. Epidemiological characterization of human anthrax cases in Peru, 2015 - 2019. An Fac med [Internet]. 2022 Dec. 23 [cited 2024 Jul. 17];83(4):280-5. Available from: https://revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe/index.php/anales/article/view/23617