Cutaneous Anthrax

Question 1

The primary mode of transmission for anthrax spores is

Answer 1

-direct contact with the tissues/hides of infected animal
-contact with the soil in
which the spores have been deposited.

Question 2

True/False
Anthrax in humans is generally considered contagious.

Answer 2

False
Rare

Question 3

Anthrax has 4 main clinical presentations:

Answer 3

-cutaneous,
-ingestion,
-injection,
-inhalation

Question 4

Most common form of anthrax in humans is…….

Answer 4

Cutaneous Anthrax

Question 5

Presentation of what issue?
(1) Small, painless, pruritic papules emerge anywhere from 1 – 12 days after exposure.
(2) Papules enlarge rapidly to vesicles or bulla (blisters).
(3) Vesicle or bulla start to erode and leave painless black necrotic ulcer

Answer 5

Cutaneous Anthrax

Question 6

Cutaneous anthrax Diagnosis
(a) Vesicular fluid and ulcers should be swabbed for _________________.
(b) _____ edge should be lifted and swabbed

Answer 6

a) gram stain and culture and PCR
b) Eschar

Question 7

It is important to remember that a suspected case of anthrax should be referred to an ________________.

Answer 7

infectious disease specialist

Question 8

Antibiotics with activity against Anthrax:

Answer 8

a) Ciprofloxacin 500mg PO BID x 7-10 days.
(b) Levofloxacin 750mg PO QD x 7-10 days.
(c) Doxycycline 100mg PO BID x 7-10 days

Question 9

CA – Prevention

Answer 9

1) Vaccines for High risk personnel
2) Precautions what handling animals, and animal products.

Question 10

Anthrax
Vaccine preventable?
Reportable?
Lethal?

Answer 10

Vaccine Preventable: Yes
Reportable: Yes
Lethal: CA (maybe); Visceral Anthrax & weaponized Anthrax (yes)

Question 11

Anthrax
Vaccine preventable?
Reportable?
Lethal?

Answer 11

Vaccine Preventable: Yes
Reportable: Yes
Lethal: CA (maybe); Visceral Anthrax & weaponized Anthrax (yes)