Anthrax is an infection. It is caused by bacteria and can be life threatening. The disease is more common in hoofed animals, like cattle and goats. In rare cases, people can contract anthrax from infected animals or anthrax spores. The bacteria produce spores that can survive in the environment for decades.
There are three forms of human anthrax, depending on where spores enter the body:
Bacillus anthracis cause anthrax. Anthrax occurs after exposure to:
Once in the body, the spores germinate. This means they change to the active bacteria. They multiply and release toxins. This leads to swelling, bleeding, and tissue death. All forms of anthrax can cause death. Only 10%-20% of untreated cutaneous cases are lethal. Inhalation anthrax is highly lethal once symptoms develop. Death can occur within a few days.
Risk factors for anthrax include the following:
These usually start within a few days of exposure. They vary depending on the type of disease.
Inhalation anthrax symptoms occur in stages over several days and include:
Cutaneous or skin symptoms occur in stages:
Gastrointestinal lesions can occur in:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will look for a possible source of exposure. A physical exam will be done.
Test may include:
It is important to start antibiotics early. Any delay greatly increases the risk of death in cases of inhalation anthrax. Treatment is begun by IV. This is followed by oral antibiotics for several weeks. Skin lesions are carefully cleaned. They are dressed with bandages.
Finding the source of the anthrax is very important. Public health officials will check places where a patient lives and works. Contaminated surfaces should be disinfected. Other people who may have been exposed will be tested. They may be given antibiotics.
It is difficult to tell if you have been exposed. Anthrax is colorless and has no smell or taste. One case leads to fears that others in the same environment may have encountered the spores. Seek medical care if you suspect you have had contact with anthrax. Antibiotics may be able to prevent infection following exposure. To prevent anthrax, a vaccine exists. It requires multiple shots and is only partially effective. The vaccine is not recommended for the general population. It is routinely given to military personnel.
Strategies to prevent exposure to anthrax include:
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
US Army Surgeon General's Office Anthrax Vaccine Information Program
http://www.anthrax.osd.mil/
US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov/
References:
AAP 2000 Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases . 25th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2000.
Antrax. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php .
Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. WB Saunders Company; 2000.
Consensus statement: anthrax as a biological weapon: medical and public health management. JAMA . 1999;281.
Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 5th ed. Churchill Livingstone Inc; 2000.
Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 6th ed. Churchill Livingstone Inc; 2005.
Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States: recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report . 2000 Dec 15.
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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