Anthrax

Question 1

Anthrax

Answer 1

notifiable disease in UK

Question 2

Inhalation or gastro-intestinal anthrax should be treated

Answer 2

~ ciprofloxacin or, pt >12 years, doxycycline [unlicensed use] & combined with 1 or 2 other antibacterials (benzylpenicillin, clindamycin, rifampicin, & vancomycin).
~ Alternatively, amoxicillin + imipenem with cilastatin, OR meropenem and chloramphenicol

Question 3

Cutaneous anthrax

Answer 3

~ oral ciprofloxacin [unlicensed use] or, in pt >12 years, doxycycline [unlicensed use] for 7 days; TX switched to amoxicillin if infecting strain susceptible.

Question 4

Anthrax post-exposure prophylaxis

Answer 4

~ Oral ciprofloxacin, doxycycline [unlicensed use], or amoxicillin.
~ Antibacterial prophylaxis should continue for up to 60 days, however shorter period may be recommended.
~ Vaccination against anthrax considered in selected cases.