Animal, human, and environmental perspectives on anthrax in Bangladesh

Sk Shaheenur Islam; Md Samun Sarker; A H M Taslima Akhter; Ireen Sultana Shanta; A K M Anisur Rahman; Md Abu Sufian

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23481

Animal, human, and environmental perspectives on anthrax in Bangladesh

Heliyon. 2023 Dec 9;10(1):e23481. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23481. eCollection 2024 Jan 15.

Authors

Sk Shaheenur Islam¹, Md Samun Sarker², A H M Taslima Akhter³, Ireen Sultana Shanta⁴, A K M Anisur Rahman⁵, Md Abu Sufian¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Dhaka, 1215, Bangladesh.
² Antimicrobial Resistance Action Center (ARAC), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, 1341, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
³ Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), Bangladesh.
⁴ International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
⁵ Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract

Background: In Bangladesh, the zoonotic transmission of anthrax from animals to humans poses substantial challenges for prevention and control programs, especially in resource-constrained settings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on anthrax infections in animals, humans, and the environment to enable better design of prevention and control strategies.

Materials and methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines to collect data on anthrax infection in animals and humans from reports between 1980 and January 2023. We used a standardized data extraction template to collect data on study location, year, hosts, deaths and risk factors responsible for anthrax occurrences at the animal, human and environmental sectors. Subsequently, we conducted a thorough analysis of the data gathered to identify the factors responsible for anthrax occurrences and to propose updated strategies for anthrax prevention and control.

Results: Of the 27 articles analyzed, 20 focused on animal or human anthrax, while seven addressed environmental contaminations. A total of 6354 cases of anthrax infection in animals were recorded, with 998 fatalities and an overall case fatality of 15.7 %. In humans, inadequate knowledge about anthrax and its transmission was a significant factor. Risk factors for human cutaneous anthrax included activities such as slaughtering diseased animals and contact with contaminated raw meat or blood. Risky practices such as disposal of animal carcasses in floodwaters or water bodies were observed in some areas, contributing to the persistence of the anthrax pathogen in the environment.

Conclusions: Our study highlights the necessity of a multisectoral One Health approach to effectively control and prevent anthrax outbreaks in both animals and humans. This approach should include comprehensive vaccination programs, social and behavioral change activities, environmental management, and the establishment of surveillance systems. Implementing these recommendations will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by anthrax in low-resource settings.

Keywords: Animal anthrax; Human cutaneous anthrax; Multisectoral one health approach; Risk factors.