B. Anthrax

Question 1

Gram stain?

Answer 1

Positive. Spore-forming rod.

Question 2

Aerobic or anaerobic?

Answer 2

aerobe

Question 3

What is the infectious form?

Answer 3

Spore (lasts 100 yrs in soil). 1-5 um in size will reach lungs.

Question 4

What’s special about the capsule?

Answer 4

Made of poly-d-glutamic acid=anti-phagocytic non-antigenic

Question 5

What’s different about its A+B model?

Answer 5

There are two A’s

Question 6

A1?

Answer 6

Edema Factor: calmod activated AC that increases cAMP resulting in mediastinal edema.

Question 7

A2?

Answer 7

Lethal Factor: metalloprotease cleaves MAPK resulting in cell death.

Question 8

Animal reservoir?

Answer 8

Cows

Question 9

Cutaneous Anthrax disease?

Answer 9

Eschar and swelling

Question 10

Inhalation Anthrax?

Answer 10

Phase 1: flu-like symptoms WITHOUT rhinorrhea

Phase 2: hemorrhagic mediastinitis w/ pleural effusions

Question 11

How is anthrax different from the flu?

Answer 11

No rhinorrhea but will have SOB, nausea, vomit (unlike flu).

Question 12

How is anthrax different from pneumonia?

Answer 12

Mediastinal widening present b/c of infection to hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes

Question 13

Diagnosis?

Answer 13

Gram stain, IF Ab stain CSF, blood smears for G+ box cars. No spores will be seen.

Question 14

Treatment?

Answer 14

40 days ciprofloxacin/doxy IV prophylaxis + ampicillin. Vaccine.

Question 15

Incubation time?

Answer 15

Up to 6 weeks.