Anthrax during pregnancy: case reports and review

We review, in detail, 2 cases of anthrax during pregnancy, its maternal and perinatal complications, and its management. Patient 1 was a 33-year-old woman at 32 weeks of gestation. She had a submandibular eschar; extensive edema on her face, neck, and upper thorax that inhibited respiratory function; and fever. The patient was treated with penicillin G and prednisolone after the diagnosis of anthrax. She recovered within 10 days but delivered a preterm baby. Patient 2 was a 29-year-old woman at 33 weeks of gestation. Her anthrax lesion was on her right elbow, and therapy consisted of procaine penicillin. She also delivered a preterm baby. These 2 cases show that anthrax during pregnancy can be successfully managed, but preterm delivery could be a complication.