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Clinical and Epidemiologic Principles of Anthrax

NCJ Number
189445
Journal
Emerging Infectious Diseases Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 1999 Pages: 552-555
Author(s)
Theodore J. Cieslak; Edward M. Eitzen Jr.
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Anthrax represents the single greatest biological warfare threat in the minds of most military and counterterrorism planners.
Abstract
Anthrax is caused by infection with Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive spore-forming rod. The spore form of this organism can survive in the environment for many decades. Anthrax spores lend themselves well to aerosolization and resist environmental degradation. Most endemic anthrax cases are cutaneous and are contracted by close contact of skin with products derived from infected herbivores, principally cattle, sheep, and goats. Inhalatinal anthrax generally occurs after an incubation period of one to six days. A nonspecific flulike illness ensues, characterized by fever, myalgia, headache, a nonproductive cough, and mild chest discomfort. While early recognition of anthrax is likely to require a heightened degree of suspicion, gram-positive bacilli in skin biopsy material or in blood smears support the diagnosis. Endemic strains of B. anthracis are typically sensitive to various antibiotics; however, antibiotic-resistant strains do occur naturally and can be isolated in laboratories. For this reason, as well as the convenience of twice-daily dosing, many experts consider ciprofloxacin the drug of choice for treating victims of terrorism or warfare. Anthrax has little potential for person-to-person transmission; standard precautions are adequate for health-care workers treating anthrax patients. Even though anthrax may be among the most viable of biological weapons, it is also a weapon for which a vaccine and antimicrobial therapy exist. Given the relatively short incubation period, and rapid progression of disease, identification of the exposed population 24 to 48 hours along with employment of therapeutic and prophylactic strategies are likely to present a challenge. 20 references