Anthrax Flashcards
What causes anthrax?
Bacillus anthracis
What are the features of bacillus anthracis?
G+ve bacilli in chains
Produces very resistant endospores
How is anthrax transmitted?
Ingestion of grass by herbivores
Inhalation
Contact with animal hides/meat
What is the pathophysiology of anthrax?
Phagocytosed by macrophages and produces toxin
What are the clinical forms of anthrax?
Cutaneous
GI anthrax
Inhalational
Meningitis
What are the symptoms of cutaneous anthrax?
Most common
Simple painless pimple to necrotic ulcer to black eschar with oedema
What are the symptoms of GI anthrax?
Very rare with high mortality Ulcers with oedema in GI tract Sepsis Haemorrhage If in oropharynx looks like diphtheria
What are the symptoms of inhalational anthrax?
Very very rare and very high mortality
Fever, myalgia and nonproductive cough
Then sudden deterioration with SOB, haemoptysis, stridor and shock
How do you diagnose anthrax?
Blood/ascetic/eschar fluid MC&S/PCR
Mediastinal widening on CXR
What are the symptoms of anthrax meningitis?
Haemorrhagic meningitis
100% mortality
How do you treat anthrax?
Doxy or cipro
Add amoxicillin if GI/inhalational
How do you prevent anthrax?
Vaccinate livestock and at risk workers PPE for animal workers PEP: cipro/doxy Appropriate disposal of animal carcasses Education
