Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the
spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs
in hoofed mammals and can also infect humans. Symptoms of disease vary depending
on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within 7 days after exposure.
The serious forms of human anthrax are inhalation anthrax, cutaneous anthrax,
and intestinal anthrax.
Initial symptoms of inhalation anthrax infection may resemble a common cold.
After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and
shock. Inhalation anthrax is often fatal.
The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated
food and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial
signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever are followed by abdominal
pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea.
Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely, if it occurs
at all. Therefore, there is no need to immunize or treat contacts of persons
ill with anthrax, such as household contacts, friends, or coworkers, unless they
also were also exposed to the same source of infection.
In persons exposed to anthrax, infection can be prevented with antibiotic treatment.
Early antibiotic treatment of anthrax is essential - delay lessens chances for
survival. Anthrax usually is susceptible to penicillin, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones.
An anthrax vaccine also can prevent infection. Vaccination against anthrax is
not recommended for the general public to prevent disease and is not available.