anthrax

The Viral Disease Anthrax

Infected Individual

Close-up of Anthrax pathogens

The most effective form of prevention is vaccination against infection, but this must be done well in advance of exposure to the bacillus, and does not protect indefinitely.

Treatment

Anthrax Structure

Anthrax does not spread directly from one infected animal or person to another; it is spread by spores. A spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions.These spores can be transported by clothing or shoes. Diseased animals can spread anthrax to humans, either by direct contact or consumption of diseased animals' flesh.

Early antibiotic treatment of anthrax is essential, any delay will significantly lessens chances for survival. Treatment for anthrax infection and other bacterial infections includes large doses of intravenous and oral antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, like ciprofloxacin (cipro), doxycycline, erythromycin, vancomycin or penicillin..

The anthrax toxin is made up of three different proteins. The first protein, the PA, constitutes what is known as the carrier of the toxin. It is the PA that binds to the cell at the Anthrax toxin receptor. Once bound to this receptor, the protein undergoes a major conformational change. It is after this conformational change whenthe two other proteins bind. The next protein of the Anthrax system is the edema factor (EF). The final protein is known as the LF and was recently crystallized and thus a mechanism was proposed. Although all three proteins enter the cell's cytoplasm, it is the EF and LF that cause the cell toxicity.

Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. Cutaneous: Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold – sore throat, mild fever, muscle aches and malaise. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal. Gastrointestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases. Other symptoms include: Fever (temperature greater than 100 degrees F). The fever may be accompanied by chills or night sweats. Flu-like symptoms Cough, usually a non-productive cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches Sore throat, followed by difficulty swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal distress, vomiting, or diarrhea A sore, especially on your face, arms or hands, that starts as a raised bump and develops into a painless ulcer with a black area in the center.

Description/Symptoms

Transmission/Acquisition