Human Anthrax in Kazakhstan from 2016 to 2018

Abstract

Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores, and it occasionally infects humans. The majority of human cases occur in an agricultural environment and result from individuals coming into contact with dead or dying animals. Although anthrax occurs worldwide, it is endemic in Kazakhstan. The data were obtained from the reported and recorded cases of anthrax in Kazakhstan between 2016 and 2018. The results were analyzed according to clinical presentation, source of infection, and transmission. In 2016-2018, 21 cases of anthrax were registered in five regions of Kazakhstan. Contamination of people occurred when dying animals were illegally slaughtered. Of these cases, 17 were of cutaneous form and 4 were of generalized form that ended by death due to delayed diagnosis and therapy. A fatal clinic form of anthrax was presented. Clinical forms of human anthrax are life threatening. Early diagnosis and initiating supportive treatment with appropriate antimicrobial therapy can save life. Educating physicians and animal owners, following good veterinary practice, ensuring close surveillance, and regular immunization of animals against anthrax may control infection in endemic and hyperendemic areas.

Knowledge, attitude and practice related to anthrax among livestock farmers in West Kazakhstan

“…Endemic in most Central Asian regions, anthrax frequently affects rural areas of Kazakhstan (Maukayeva et al., 2019 ; Sweeney et al., 2011 ), impacting humans and livestock across Africa and Asia (Kutmanova et al., 2022 ; Tyulegenov et al., 2022 ). Human behaviour plays a crucial role in anthrax epidemiology (Dutta et al., 2021 ).…”

“…The spores of B. anthracis can resist harsh ambient conditions, persist in the environment for an extended period and re‐emerge when conditions are favourable (Raymond et al., 2010 ). Animal‐to‐human transmission was found to be via direct contact with animals and/or contaminated materials (slaughtering and skinning of ill or dead animals) (Blackburn et al., 2021 ; Maukayeva et al., 2019 ). In many developing countries, including Kazakhstan, animal husbandry is an essential sector in the livelihood of the majority of rural people.…”

“…Globally, approximately 20,000–100,000 human anthrax cases occur annually (Dutta et al., 2011 ). In Kazakhstan, anthrax is considered an enzootic disease (Shevtsov et al., 2021 ), primarily affecting animals; however, occasional human cases have been reported in West Kazakhstan, South Kazakhstan and Almaty regions (Ashford et al., 2004 ; Maukayeva et al., 2019 ; Shevtsov et al., 2021 ). Kazakhstan was formerly a part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), and anthrax was first noted in the early 20th century (Abdrakhmanov et al., 2017 ).…”

“…According to Maukayeva et al. ( 2019 ), a total of 21 human anthrax cases were reported across five regions – Karaganda, Almaty, Pavlodar, East Kazakhstan and South Kazakhstan – between 2016 and 2018. Of these cases, four patients died due to generalized anthrax.…”