Anthrax

Anthrax

 Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. People can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Symptoms

The symptoms of anthrax vary depending on the route of entry of bacterial spores. There are four common routes:

1. Cutaneous Anthrax: Infection through a cut or sore on the skin.

   • Raised, itchy bump developing into a painless sore with a black center.
   • Swollen lymph nodes.
   • Fever.

2. Gastrointestinal Anthrax: Infection due to consumption of undercooked meat of an infected animal.

   • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache.
   • Loss of appetite, fever.
   • Severe, bloody diarrhea in later stages.
   • Swollen neck.

3. Inhalation (Pulmonary) Anthrax: Infection develops when anthrax spores are breathed in.

   • Sore throat, mild fever, fatigue, muscle aches.
   • Chest discomfort, shortness of breath.
   • Nausea, coughing up blood, painful swallowing.

4. Injection Anthrax: Infection through injecting illegal drugs.

   • Redness at the area of injection.
   • Multiple organ failure, meningitis.

Causes

Anthrax infection is caused by bacteria commonly found in soil and usually resides in animals. It can be transmitted when spores are inhaled, ingested, or touched.

Risk Factors

• Working in an area with a high risk of exposure to anthrax.
• Exposure to infected livestock.
• Injecting illegal drugs.

Complications

With timely medications, anthrax can be cured. However, severe infections could lead to:

• Damage to multiple organs.
• Hemorrhagic meningitis.

Prevention

• Vaccination for people at high risk.
• Avoid undercooked meat.
• Treatment with antibiotics in case of exposure to spores before symptoms develop.

Treatment

The standard treatment for anthrax is a course of antibiotics. The specific treatment depends on age and severity of symptoms.