Anthrax - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease in humans and animals. Anthrax is caused by exposure to the spores of the bacteria. Bacillus anthracis that become entrenched in the host body and produce lethal poisons Bacillus anthracis bacteria spores are soil-borne and because of their long lifetime they are still present globally and at animal burial sites of anthrax killed animals for many decades. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower vertebrates (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores), but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue from infected animals. Anthrax can be found around the world. It is more common in developing countries or countries without veterinary public health programs. Anthrax is reported more often in some regions of the world (South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East) than in others. It has been extremely rare in the United States in recent decades, and until the recent cases in Florida, has been limited to the cutaneous (skin) form. Human anthrax cases can occur in 3 forms. Cutaneous infection is the most common manifestation of anthrax in humans, accounting for more than 95 percent of cases. Ingestion of undercooked or raw, infected meat can cause gastrointestinal anthrax infection. Breathing in airborne spores may lead to inhalation anthrax. The mortality rates from anthrax vary, depending on exposure, and are approximately 20% for cutaneous anthrax without antibiotics and 25 - 75% for gastrointestinal anthrax; inhalation anthrax has a fatality rate that is 80% or higher. Cutaneous anthrax can usually be successfully treated with antibiotics and some antibiotics have also been approved for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Bacillus anthracis is a rod-shaped Gram-positive bacterium, about 1 by 9 micrometers in size. Anthrax is considered to be one of a number of potential agents for use in biological terrorism. Anthrax is generally spread in one of three ways. People of any age may be affected. Most cases are mild and go away with treatment. Anthrax, however, can be lethal. There are several ways anthrax can cause illness. Most persons who are exposed to anthrax become ill within one week. Skin (cutaneous) - Most anthrax infections occur when people touch contaminated animal products like wool, bone, hair, and hide. The infection occurs when the bacteria enters a cut or scratch in the skin. Inhalation (lung) - Some anthrax infections occur when people breathe in the spores of the bacteria. However, the infectious dose for inhalational anthrax is quite high, and requires exposure to a large number of spores (8,000-10,000). Gastrointestinal - Some people may get anthrax by eating infected meat that has not been properly cooked. Antibiotic therapy should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure. Other treatment includes supportive care in hospital. Bacillus anthracis usually responds effectively to several antibiotics including penicillin, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin). Ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and penicillin are FDA-approved for the treatment of anthrax in adults and children.

Causes of Anthrax

Common Causes of Anthrax

• B anthracis.
• Bioterrorism.
• Infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Sign and Symptoms of Anthrax

Common Sign and Symptoms of Anthrax

• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Malaise.
• Cough.
• Chest pain.
• Vomiting with blood.
• Shortness of breath.
• Muscle aches.

Treatment for Anthrax

Common Treatment for Anthrax

• Antibiotics should be given to unvaccinated individuals exposed to inhalation anthrax. Penicillin, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones are effective if administered before the onset of lymphatic spread or septicemia, estimated to be about 24 hours.
• People exposed to anthrax may be given preventive antibiotics usually to be taken for 60 days.
• Ciprofloxacin or doxycycline for 60 days. Other antibiotics may be used once lab tests return showing which ones are effective.
• Avoiding contact with infected animals.

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