Abstract
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, typically transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected or deceased animals and their contaminated products. Brucellosis, another zoonosis, is most commonly acquired through contact with animals or their products, but is often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations. Although each infection is relatively well documented, human coinfection with anthrax and brucellosis has not previously been reported. Here, we describe the first such case: an elderly farmer from rural northern China who was diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax concurrent with brucellosis. The case highlights that dual zoonotic infections can occur even in non-endemic areas and underscores the importance of screening brucellosis in febrile patients with a history of livestock exposure. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-025-12208-3.