Anthrax
On this page, you can find everything you need to know about Anthrax.
What isBacillus anthracisAnthrax?
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by the bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It naturally exists in the soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals. Generally, the spread of anthrax is limited to specific areas of the world. People can contract anthrax if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Anthrax can cause severe illness in both humans and animals.
- The type of disease a person develops depends on how anthrax enters their body, such as:
- Cutaneous anthrax: Occurs when anthrax spores enter the skin, typically through a cut or scratch, and is the most common form of anthrax.
- Inhalation anthrax: People working in places like wool factories, slaughterhouses, and tanneries may inhale the spores when handling infected animals or contaminated animal products.
Gastrointestinal anthrax: Occurs when a person eats raw or undercooked meat from an animal infected with anthrax.
What are the symptoms of anthrax infection?
- The symptoms of anthrax vary based on the type. Symptoms generally appear from one week to two months after exposure to the spores, depending on the type, and include the following:
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Fatigue.
- Fever and heavy sweating.
- Headache or muscle aches.
- Itchy blisters or bumps.
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.
- A skin ulcer (sore) with a black center.
Swollen lymph nodes.
- What causesBacillus anthracisanthrax infection?
The main cause of anthrax is the Bacillus anthracis bacteria, which produce spores that can survive in the soil for years. Wild animals can inhale or ingest these dormant spores (inactive) while grazing. After mixing with bodily fluids, anthrax bacteria activate, multiply, and spread throughout the body, creating a toxic and deadly reaction. The same process occurs in people who inhale, ingest, or come into contact with the spores.
What are the diagnostic methods?:
- Doctors will take the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination. They may also request additional procedures as necessary, such as:
- Blood tests to measure antibodies or toxins in the blood.
- Skin lesion swab.
- Chest x-ray.
- Laboratory tests on stool, mucus, and chest secretions.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
What are the treatment methods for anthrax?
- Treatment is provided through several procedures as needed and may include the following:
- Antibiotics: All types of anthrax infections can be treated with antibiotics, including intravenous antibiotics. Doctors will choose the best antibiotics for treating anthrax and those that are best for the patient based on their medical history.
- Antitoxin: Once anthrax toxins are released into the body, one possible treatment is an antitoxin that targets anthrax toxins in the body. Doctors should use antitoxins along with other treatment options.
Vaccine: A vaccine is available for preventing anthrax infection and also treats those infected. The treatment involves three doses of the vaccine over four weeks.
How to prevent anthrax?
- If traveling to an area known for anthrax problems and you have not received the vaccine, avoid:
- Eating raw or undercooked meat.
- Handling or buying souvenirs made from animal leather or hair.
Breeding or touching animals.
What are thecomplications ofanthrax infection?
A complication that may arise from anthrax is infections and the spread of the disease in the blood and body organs, leading to several diseases like meningitis. Thus, the disease should be treated immediately upon diagnosis.
When should you consult a doctor?
- You should visit the emergency room if you have recently traveled to areas plagued by the disease and suffer from:
- Blood in respiratory secretions (coughing blood).
- Blood in vomit or stool.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
Severe abdominal pain.
FAQ:
I had contact with someone infected with anthrax. Could I catch it from them?
