INFORMATION ON ANTHRAX
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower vertebrates such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores, but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue from infected animals. There are no known cases of infection in humans resulting from direct contact with a diseased person.There are three forms in which infection can occur:
Cutaneous, inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products.
SYNONYMS OF ANTHRAX
Synonyms and related keywords:1. Bacillus anthracis.
2. B anthracis.
3. The fifth plague.
4. Anthrax infection.
5. Gastrointestinal anthrax.
6. Meningeal anthrax.
7. Postexposure prophylaxis.
CAUSES OF ANTHRAX
Anthrax is caused by the organism Bacillus anthracis. Bacillus can form spores which can either be eaten in contaminated meat, breathed in, or simply infect the skin directly through human to animal contact. Prior exposure to radiation, alcoholism, and underlying pulmonary disease are important risk factors for inhalational anthrax.SYMPTOMS OF ANTHRAX
Main symptoms of Anthrax are:1. Confusion.
2. Continued fever.
3. Dizziness.
4. Stiff neck.
5. Trouble breathing.
6. Unable to stay awake.
7. Sore throat.
8. Mild fever.
9. Muscle aches.
10. Malaise.
11. Nasal congestion - not in all cases.
12. Runny nose - not in all cases.
13. Severe breathing problems.
14. Shock.
15. Meningitis.
DIAGNOSIS OF ANTHRAX
Following test is done for Anthrax diagnosis:1. There is no laboratory test to test for anthrax before symptoms begin.
2. A blood test can be done to see if there are antibodies in the blood.
3. If you have a sore on your skin, a piece of the sore may be removed and checked.
4. If you are coughing mucous from your lungs, it can be tested. Samples are looked at under a microscope to check for anthrax bacteria.
