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What is the current preferred antimicrobial treatment of cutaneous anthrax?
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Is anthrax a skin disease?
one of the form of anthrax its cutaneous form.
How many people could die if anthrax is untreated?
Without treatment, about 20% of cutaneous skin infection cases progress to toxemia and death.(coutaneus infection of anthrax) Pulmonary and gastrointestinal are 100% fatal if untreated
How does anthrax get into the body?
TOUCHING IT OR BREATHING IT. INFECTIONS CAN MANIFEST AS SYSTEMIC, MUCOSAL OR CUTANEOUS. CUTANEOUS IS THE LEAST DEADLY.
What is the most common type of anthrax?
Anthrax is an acute disease caused by Bacillius anthracis. The progression of the disease depends on how the host becomes infected, if the bacteria are inhaled it is lung infection, if they are introduced to the blood it is pulmonary, and if they are eaten it is gastrointestinal.
What is the chance of being cured with anthrax?
there are three form of infections with anthrax. Pulmonary anthrax that it is deadly if not treated early gastrointestinal anthrax fatality rates 20- 60% cutaneous form of anthrax that it is really fatal
There are three different types of anthrax. Which is most common?
cutaneous from its more common.
Short term effects of Anthrax?
The cutaneous form shows a sore with a large area of blackened skin. The pulmonary form shows cold like symptoms and the GI form shows GI upset with bloody stools. All of these can be fatal without treatment and it should be started immediately.
What is the morality rate of anthrax?
When anthrax is inhaled the mortality rate is 50-90 percent even with antibiotic treatment. If it is ingested the mortality rate is 50 percent.
Anthrax?
DefinitionAnthrax is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, or the lungs.See also: Inhaltion anthraxAlternative NamesWoolsorter's disease; Ragpicker's disease; Cutaneous anthrax; Gastrointestinal anthraxCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAnthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep and goats, but humans who come into contact with the infected animals can get sick from anthrax, too. In the past, the people who were most at risk for anthrax included farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers.There are three main routes of anthrax infection:Cutaneous anthrax occurs when anthrax touches a cut or scrape on the skin.Inhalation anthrax develops when anthrax spores enter the lungs through the respiratory tract.Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when someone eats anthrax-tainted meat.Anthrax may be used as a biological weapon or for bioterrorism. In 2001, anthrax sent through the U.S. Postal Service infected 22 people; 7 survivors had confirmed cutaneous anthrax disease.While at least 17 nations are believed to have a biological weapons program, it is unknown how many nations or groups are working with anthrax. Most bioterrorism experts have concluded that it is difficult to use anthrax effectively as a weapon on a large scale.SymptomsSymptoms of anthrax differ depending on the type of anthrax.Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax:Blister or ulcer that later forms a black scabBlister or ulcer is usually surrounded by a lot of swellingSymptoms of inhalation anthrax:Begins with fever, malaise, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and chest painShock may occur laterSymptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax usually develop within one week and can affect the mouth, esophagus, intestines, and colon. Symptoms may include:Nausea and vomiting (the vomit may include blood)AnemiaBloody diarrheaSigns and testsThe tests to diagnose anthrax depend on the type of disease suspected.Tests may include:Culture of skin sore to test for cutaneous anthraxChest x-raySputum cultureSpinal tap to check your spinal fluid for infection (See:CSF culture)Gram stain (staining a sample of tissue and looking at it under a microscope for the bacteria that cause anthrax infection)Tissue or fluid samples may be sent to a special lab for more detailed testing, including immunofluorescence.TreatmentMost people with anthrax are treated with antibiotics. Several antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin.When treating inhalational anthrax, a combination of antibiotics should be used. Doctors often start treatment ciprofloxacin plus another drug, given through a vein (intravenously).Cutaneous anthrax is treated with antibiotics taken by mouth, usually for 7 to 10 days.The length of treatment for inhalation anthrax is currently about 60 days, since it may take anthrax spores that long to grow.In the event of a bioterrorist attack, the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile is available to help provide antibiotics should a shortage occur.Expectations (prognosis)When treated with antibiotics, cutaneous anthrax is likely to get better. However, up to 20% of people who do not get treatment may die due to anthrax-related blood infections.People with second-stage inhalation anthrax have a poor outlook, even with antibiotic therapy. Up to 90% of cases in the second stage are fatal.Gastrointestinal anthrax infection can spread to the bloodstream, and may result in death.ComplicationsCutaneous anthrax:Spread of infection into the bloodstreamInhalational anthrax:Hemorrhagic meningitisSwelling of lymph nodes in the chest (mediastinal adenopathy)Fluid buildup in the chest (pleural effusion)ShockDeathGastrointestinal anthraxSevere bleeding (hemorrhage)ShockDeathCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have been exposed to anthrax, or if you develop symptoms of any type of anthrax.PreventionThere are two main ways to prevent anthrax.For people who have been exposed to anthrax (but have no symptoms of the disease), doctors may prescribe preventive antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, penicillin, or doxycycline, depending on the strain of anthrax.An anthrax vaccine is available to certain military personnel, but not to the general public. It is given in a series of six doses over 18 months. There is no known way to spread cutaneous anthrax from person to person. People who live with someone who has cutaneous anthrax do not need antibiotics unless they have also been exposed to the same source of anthrax.ReferencesInglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA.160;2002;287:2236-2252.Lucey DR, Anthrax. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 317.
Does anthrax produce lesions on the skin?
DefinitionCutaneous anthrax is an infection of the skin due to direct contact with the bacteria Bacillus anthracis.Alternative NamesAnthrax - skinCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAnthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. While anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep and goats, humans may get sick from anthrax, too. The most common type of anthrax infection in people is cutaneous anthrax, an infection of the skin.The main risk factor for getting cutaneous anthrax is contact with animal hides or hair, bone products, and wool, as well as contact with infected animals. Therefore, those most at risk for anthrax include farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers.Cutaneous anthrax occurs after the bacteria touch a cut or scrape on the skin.Anthrax is a potential agent for use as a biological weapon or for bioterrorism. In 2001, bioterrorist activities involving the United States Postal Service infected 22 people with anthrax. Seven survivors had confirmed cases of cutaneous anthrax. Most bioterrorism experts have concluded that it is technologically difficult to use anthrax effectively as a weapon on a large scale.SymptomsBetween 1 and 12 days after exposure, an itchy sore develops, similar to an insect bite. This sore may blister and form a black ulcer (sore), which is usually painless. It is usually surrounded by significant swelling. A scab often develops, and then dries and falls off within 2 weeks, although complete healing can take longer.Some patients also have painful lymph nodes, fever, headache, and a general ill-feeling (malaise).Signs and testsA culture of the skin lesions should be done to identify the bacteria that cause anthrax.TreatmentCutaneous anthrax is treated with antibiotics, most often doxycycline or ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin has been the antibiotic of choice during a suspected anthrax outbreak.Because anthrax spores may take up to 60 days to grow, the length of treatment is usually 60 days.Expectations (prognosis)The outlook is excellent when anthrax is treated. Death is extremely rare when antibiotics are promptly given.ComplicationsIn some cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream, leading to shockand death.Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you know you have been exposed to anthrax, or if you develop a skin lesion as described above.PreventionFor individuals who have been truly exposed to anthrax (but have no signs and symptoms of the disease), preventive antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, penicillin, or doxycycline may be offered, depending on the particular strain of anthrax.Cutaneous anthrax is not known to spread from person to person. Household contacts of individuals with cutaneous anthrax do not need antibiotics unless they have also been exposed to the same source of anthrax.An anthrax vaccine is available to selected military personnel, but not to the general public.ReferencesInglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA. 2002;287:2236-2252.Lucey DR. Anthrax. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 317.Reissman DB, Whitney EA, Taylor TH Jr, et al. One-Year Health Assessment of Adult Survivors of Bacillus anthracis Infection. JAMA. 2004;291:1994-1998.
Have people gotten diseases from animal fur after killing the animal skinning it and wearing it?
Yes, the most common is cutaneous (skin) anthrax. However, this is rare and generally only happens if the hide was not tanned properly.
What type of anthrax has symptoms of fever malaise fatigue and nonproductive cough the chest x rays reveal a widened mediastinum and elevated white blood count?
cutaneous...wrong, the answer is inhalation
