There has been a recent scare in the United States, with a certain biological weapon known as anthrax. Anthrax is a disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. The germ produces infectious spores that can survive in the environment for years. It is most often found in grass-eating animals because the animals can eat the spores that are living in the soil. This disease can be disastrous to humans, by touching spores from infected animals or by inhaling spores that are in the air. There are three forms of anthrax: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, or inhalation.
The first and least harmful type of anthrax is cutaneous anthrax. This type occurs when you come in contact with an infected anima. It starts out with a bump, like a mosquito bite, usually on the hand. Within a few days this bump will turn into a painless, open sore with a tell-tale black center of dead tissue (Liza Jane Matlin, webMD medical news). Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax may include headache, fever, and swelling of infected areas. This form accounts for 95% of anthrax in the United States, and is easily treated with antibiotics (Effects of Anthrax Infection, Associated Press, MSNBC research). Only about 20% of victims die when this is left untreated (Liza Matlin).
The second form of anthrax is called gastrointestinal anthrax. This form of intestinal disease may follow after eating contaminated food. This is characterized by inflammation of the intestinal tract. The initial signs of the disease are nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever, then followed by abdominal pains, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. This form is deadly in about 25% to 60% of those in contact but is extremely rare in humans and almost unknown in the United States (Liza Matlin).
The third and the most deadly form of anthrax is known as inhalation anthrax. Inhaling anthrax is very uncommon, but by far the most lethal.
Cutaneous Anthrax account! ... The Anthrax disease has a long history with mankind. ... The Huns in 80 AD described Anthrax as a killer. ... The greatest threat with the most deadly consequences is pulmonary anthrax, which starts with inhalation of anthrax spores. ... The anthrax death rate is 80% when inhaled. ...
The one question was who is responsible for these anthrax attacks? ... The second and most fatal form is Inhalation anthrax. ... There are very few treatments for this type of anthrax. ... The third form is called Intestinal anthrax. ... After September 11th many people lost their lives to anthrax. ...
The one question was who is responsible for these anthrax attacks? ... The second and most fatal form is Inhalation anthrax. ... There are very few treatments for this type of anthrax. ... The third form is called Intestinal anthrax. ... After September 11th many people lost their lives to anthrax. ...
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus Anthrax. ... About twenty % of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will eventually result in death. ... Anthrax comes in four clinical forms. ... Approximately 20% of untreated cases of this type of anthrax will result in death. 2. ... Anthrax is a biological weapon of choice for a couple of reasons. ...
Interest in the pathogenesis, immunity, and vaccine development for anthrax was heightened by the deliberate contamination of mail with B. anthracis spores soon after the September 11 attacks. ... Anthracis Cutaneous Anthrax Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form of anthrax infection, accounting for 90% to 95% of the cases worldwide and all of the prior cases reported in the United States. ... Penicillin and ampicillin should not be used alone to treat anthrax because of concerns about beta-lactamase activity. (2) When treated with antibiotics, the death rate of cutaneous anthrax is les...
In 1877, Robert koch grew an organism called anthrax. ... There are 3 kinds of anthrax: 1) Cutaneous Anthrax: most common form of the disease in humans; caused by contact with the infected animals. ... Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal. ... Recently, numerous people have been infected with anthrax. ... Who should get vaccinated against anthrax? ...
"Gee, I hope it's not Anthrax!" ... Anthrax is only found in livestock." ... Inhalation Anthrax is the most lethal form of Anthrax. ... Symptoms of all three forms of Anthrax usually occur within seven days. ... After my mom told me different about Anthrax I became paranoid if I was going to catch Anthrax. ...
Bacillus anthracis - Anthrax This specific disease begins as a small papule, as shown above. ... With Cutaneous anthrax, it enlarges and progresses to a vesicle in 1-2 days. ... The most common victims or anthrax is anybody who comes into contact with it. ... Various drugs have been found to be effective in the treatment of anthrax. ... Ciprofloxacin is the drug that is most commonly used in the treatment of anthrax. ...
If left untreated anthrax can and usually does result in death. ... If I didn't know what anthrax was, looks like, or its symptoms, how would I know if I received an anthrax-laced letter one day? ... (Barry) If people actually thought powdered sugar, Parmesan cheese, and regular sugar looked like anthrax, I now had a good outlook on how anthrax looked. Since I had a good idea of what anthrax looked liked, I decided I should start finding background information and facts about anthrax. ... Eating contaminated meat causes gastrointestinal anthrax. ...
