Anthrax

Question 1

What is the incubation period for cutaneous anthrax?

Answer 1

1-7 days

but up to 17 days in rare cases

Question 2

Zoonotic disease primarily affecting ruminant herbivores such as cattle, sheep, goats, antelope, and deer that become infected by ingesting contaminated vegetation, water, or soil.

Answer 2

Anthrax

Question 3

What is the primary mode of transmission for anthrax spores?

Answer 3

1) Direct contact with the tissues/hides of infected animal

2) Contact with the soil in which the spores have been deposited

Question 4

Is Cutaneous Anthrax considered contagious?

Answer 4

Not really

Question 5

What is the most common form of anthrax?

Answer 5

Cutaneous Anthrax

Question 6

What are the 4 main clinical presentations of anthrax?

Answer 6

1) Cutaneous Anthrax
2) Ingestion Anthrax
3) Injection Anthrax
4) Inhalation Anthrax

Question 7

What is an Eschar?

Answer 7

Dry, Dark scab falling away from dead skin

Question 8

What are the physical findings for cutaneous anthrax?

Answer 8

1) Small, painless, pruritic papules
2) Papules enlarge into “blisters” (Vesicles or Bulla)
3) Marked Edema
4) Blisters erode and leave painless black necrotic ulcers
5) Tissue Necrosis
6) Eschar

Question 9

What are the labs for diagnosing anthrax?

Answer 9

Swab for:

1) Gram stain
2) Culture
3) PCR (Polyamerase Chain Reaction)

Question 10

What is the treatment for suspected anthrax?

Answer 10

1) Referred to Infectious Disease

2) Cipro, Levo, or Doxy for 7-10 days

Question 11

What areas should be swabbed for anthrax testing?

Answer 11

1) Vesicular Fluids
2) Ulcers
3) LIFT THE ESCHAR and swab the EDGE

Question 12

What is the disposition for suspected Anthrax

Answer 12

Immediate referral and/or MEDEVAC

Question 13

What are the complications of untreated cutaneous anthrax?

Answer 13

Sepsis

Meningitis