Anthrax

About Anthrax

A bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. The anthrax bacteria are most often found in farm animals. Infections usually involve people who work with animals. There are three different forms of the disease. The cutaneous form occurs after contact with an open skin sore. The inhalation type occurs after breathing in the bacteria and causes a life threatening lung infection (pneumonia). The last form occurs when patients swallow the bacteria causing an infection of the intestinal tract. In 2001 anthrax sent through the postal system as a bio-terrorism attack caused 7 deaths. Anthrax pneumonia is frequently fatal.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of infection. Infections involving the skin cause blisters, skin ulcers, skin swelling, and a dark black scab. Intestinal infections result in nausea, vomiting, vomiting blood, low blood counts (anemia), and bloody diarrhea. Infections involving the lungs cause fever, fatigue, cough, breathing problems, and chest pain. This type of infection many times progresses resulting in breathing failure, low blood pressure and death.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be done. The bacteria can be identified in the blood, sputum, spinal fluid, or skin biopsy. Blood tests will be done as well as an imaging test such as a x-ray or CT scan.

Common tests: Blood culture, CSF culture, Skin biopsy, skin culture, Sputum culture, Stool culture.

Path 3 — Prescription Options

Prescription medications

Conventional treatment summary

Therapy depends on the type of infection. Oral antibiotics can treat skin infections. Infections of the lungs and intestines require intravenous antibiotics. The medications usually used are doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and penicillin. Unfortunately up to 90% of patients with an infection of the lungs die despite appropriate antibiotic use.

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Pulmonology · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine · Medical Toxicology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Anthrax.