An anthrax infection occurs due to exposure to bacterial spores that live in the soil and are typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their products.
What is Anthrax and How is it Caused?
This infection is caused by a bacterium known as Bacillus anthracis. These spore-forming bacteria can remain dormant in the soil for many years, becoming active and causing disease once they enter the human body.
The infection is transmitted through several routes:
- Contact with infected animals (such as sheep, goats, and horses) or their products, such as wool and hides.
- Inhaling dust containing spores.
- Consuming food or drinks contaminated with spores or undercooked meat.
- In rare cases, infections have been observed through the injection of illicit substances like heroin.
Types and Anthrax Symptoms
The signs of the disease vary depending on how the bacteria entered the body. Symptoms usually appear within 6 days, but in inhalation cases, they may be delayed for more than 6 weeks.
Cutaneous Anthrax
This is the most common and least severe route. Cutaneous anthrax typically manifests on the face, neck, and hands as:
- Itchy bumps that resemble insect bites.
- The bump evolves into a painless ulcer with a black center.
- Swelling of the area surrounding the ulcer and nearby lymph nodes.
Pulmonary (Inhalation) Infection
This is the most lethal type and is the most difficult to treat. It begins with flu-like symptoms, including:
- Fever, chills, and a cough that may be accompanied by blood.
- Shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
- Severe fatigue, headache, and nausea.
- In advanced stages, it may lead to shock or meningitis.
Gastrointestinal Infection
This occurs after eating contaminated meat, and its symptoms include:
- Nausea, vomiting (which may be bloody), and severe bloody diarrhea.
- Stomach pain and abdominal bloating.
- Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.
- Neck swelling and fever.
Diagnosis and Anthrax Treatment
Diagnosis begins with an investigation of the patient’s occupation and travel history, while ruling out similar diseases like the flu. Doctors may use the following tests:
- Skin tests (biopsy of the lesion) or blood and stool analyses.
- Chest X-rays or CT scans.
- Lumbar puncture if meningitis is suspected.
Anthrax treatment relies primarily on antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline) for up to 60 days; effectiveness increases when treatment is started early. In some cases, antitoxins or immune globulins are used, or surgical excision of the infected tissue is performed.
Prevention and Risk Factors
The likelihood of infection increases for veterinarians, livestock breeders, laboratory workers, and military personnel. For prevention, it is recommended to:
- Avoid contact with imported or dead animal hides and wool.
- Cook meat thoroughly.
- Obtain the specific vaccine for high-risk groups (such as military personnel and scientists), which is a non-live bacterial vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anthrax what bacteria?
It is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, which lives in the soil and infects livestock and wild animals, transferring to humans via contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
What does anthrax infection look like?
Depending on the type, it can look like an itchy bump that turns into a painless ulcer with a black center (skin form), or it may present as severe respiratory distress and flu-like illness (inhalation form).
Does it spread from person to person?
There is no evidence that it spreads between humans, although skin lesions may be infectious upon direct contact.
Is the vaccine available to everyone?
No, the vaccine is not intended for the general public; it is given only to individuals in high-risk professions or military personnel.
When to Visit a Doctor Immediately?
Seek emergency care immediately in the following cases:
- The appearance of a skin ulcer with a black center after handling animals or hides.
- The onset of acute respiratory symptoms after exposure to an environment suspected of containing spores.
- The occurrence of shock or organ failure following potential exposure to the bacteria.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team