Anthrax

Question 1

What is the cause of Anthrax? , and:

1. Describe how it appears
2. Why is it so hard to eliminate it?

Answer 1

Bacillus anthracis

1. Aerobic, Gram-positive, spore-forming rod
2. Resistant to heat, drying and other disinfectants - can be inactive for decades as an endospore

Question 2

What are three key findings that may be found on necropsy with anthrax?

Answer 2

1. Bloody discharge from nose, mouth or anus
2. Absence of rigor mortis
3. Dark blood that doesn’t clot

Question 3

How would you approach a case of suspected anthrax on a farm?

Answer 3

1. Do not perform a necropsy - PPE and take a sample (blood or tissue to lab)
2. Once confirmed discuss vaccination of herd and/or PEP of herd
3. All affected carcases need to be burned without moving the carcass

Question 4

What are the three main types of anthrax presentations seen in humans? What is the most severe type and which is the most common?

Answer 4

1. Cutaneous anthrax - most common - enters through a break in the skin and a black eschar forms (these very rarely develop into systemic infections)
2. GI anthrax - eating infected meat may becomes systemic and fatal
3. Inhaled/respiratory form - most severe even with antibiotics you have still inhaled the toxins (expect near 100% mortality in 2-3 days)

Question 5

You suspect you have been exposed to anthrax through your own stupidity and lack of PPE and you visit your GP who is equally incompetent at his jobs. What antibiotic should you tell him to give you and for how long?

Answer 5

• Ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and penicillin’s
• Extended treatment is required - typically for ~ 60 days