You've probably heard of the disease anthrax. But you may be wondering what it is, how it spreads, and what we can do about it. Don't worry, today we'll talk about anthrax in a simple way that you can understand.
What is Anthrax?
Simply put, anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis . The spores of this bacteria are found in the environment, especially in soil, in a dormant, inactive form. Most often, this disease affects animals, especially herbivores. However, humans can also get it. This is very rare in countries like the United States.
Are there types of anthrax based on how it is transmitted?
Yes, actually, anthrax can be divided into several types depending on how this bacteria enters our bodies. Let's see what they are.
Cutaneous Anthrax
This is the most common and least deadly type . What happens here is that the bacteria enters your body through a break in your skin. Imagine, you have a small scratch on your hand, and if this bacteria gets through, this condition can occur.
- Who is most at risk? Veterinarians and those who work with animal fur, skin, or hair are most at risk.
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
This type is caused by eating raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal . The bacteria affects your esophagus, throat, stomach, and intestines . It is rare in countries like the United States, where farm animals are vaccinated against anthrax and infected animals are identified before being slaughtered for meat.
Inhalation Anthrax
This is the most dangerous and potentially fatal of the anthrax types . It is caused by inhaling anthrax spores. This can cause severe breathing difficulties and even death. It was also formerly called "woolsorter's disease" because workers in wool mills, slaughterhouses, and tanneries were likely to inhale the spores from infected animals.
Injection Anthrax
This is not something we hear much about in our area. It is seen among people who inject drugs like heroin . This condition has been reported in Northern Europe. What happens here is that the infection develops deep under the skin or in the muscles.
How common is anthrax? Is it present in Sri Lanka?
Although anthrax is found all over the world, it is very rare in countries like the United States. Most of the time, this disease spreads in developing countries where animals are not vaccinated.
For example:
- Caribbean Islands
- Central America
- Central and Southwest Asia
- South America
- Southern and Eastern Europe
- Sub-Saharan Africa
In Sri Lanka, anthrax cases are very rare . However, it is important to exercise caution when handling animals and importing animal products.
Could anthrax be a biological weapon?
Yes, this is sad, but true. There is talk that anthrax spores could be used in a bioterrorism attack . You may remember, in 2001, there was an incident in America where anthrax powder was sent in envelopes. Some people developed cutaneous anthrax, some developed inhalation anthrax, and several people died. Therefore, security forces are always on the alert to prevent such things.
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Symptoms of anthrax vary depending on the type . Symptoms usually begin within a week of exposure to the bacteria. However, sometimes symptoms of inhalation anthrax may not appear for up to two months .
Commonly seen symptoms are:
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing
- Feeling very tired (Fatigue)
- Fever and excessive sweating
- Headache or muscle pain
- Itchy blisters or bumps
- A skin ulcer with a black spot in the middle
- Nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, and bloody diarrhea
- Swollen lymph nodes
What causes anthrax?
As we mentioned earlier, anthrax is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis . This bacterium produces spores that can survive in the soil for years. Wild animals like deer, and farm animals like cows and sheep can inhale or ingest these dormant spores when they graze on grass.
Think about it, it's just like a seed. Nothing happens as long as it's in the soil, but when it gets water and nutrients, it germinates.
When mixed with the animal's body fluids, the anthrax bacteria become active, multiply, and spread throughout the body. The bacteria cause a toxic, sometimes fatal reaction . The same process occurs in humans if these spores are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin.
Is anthrax contagious?
This is a question that many people ask. Anthrax is not a disease that is easily spread from person to person like chickenpox or the common cold. That means you cannot catch it from being around someone who has anthrax. However, very rarely , if you come into direct contact with an anthrax lesion on someone's skin, you may develop cutaneous anthrax. But this is very rare.
Who is at higher risk of developing anthrax?
Some people are at higher risk of exposure to anthrax than others. These include:
- Farmers and people who work with livestock
- Military personnel and tourists traveling to countries where anthrax is common
- Scientists and laboratory workers researching this bacterium
- Veterinarians treating infected animals
- Workers in wool mills, tanneries, and slaughterhouses
- People who make drums using animal skins
- People who inject drugs like heroin
What are the possible complications of anthrax?
Anthrax can be fatal if not treated properly . Complications vary depending on the type of anthrax:
- Cutaneous anthrax: Most people recover with treatment. If left untreated, about 20% of those infected may die.
- Gastrointestinal anthrax: About 60% of people recover with treatment. Without treatment, more than half of those infected die. This type can also cause a fatal condition called meningoencephalitis, which is swelling of the brain and spinal cord .
- Inhalation anthrax: Even with treatment, only about 55% of infected people recover. If left untreated, this number drops to 15%. This is the most dangerous case.
How is anthrax diagnosed?
Depending on your symptoms and the type of anthrax you have, your doctor may do one or more of these tests:
- Skin lesion biopsy (taking a small piece of skin from a lesion)
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan (Computed tomography - CT scan)
- Laboratory testing of stool or mucus
- Lumbar puncture / spinal tap
What are the treatments for anthrax?
Most types of anthrax respond well to treatment. If you think you may have been exposed to anthrax, see a doctor immediately. If treatment is started early, the infection can be stopped from progressing.
Treatment options for anthrax are:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics, which can be taken orally, injected, or given intravenously, fight infection. You may need to take antibiotics for up to 60 days. The most commonly used antibiotics are ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) and doxycycline (Doryx®) .
- Antitoxins: These are injectable medications that neutralize the anthrax toxin in the body. They are usually given along with antibiotics.
- Vaccine: The vaccine, BioThrax®, is used to prevent anthrax infection and also to treat those infected. Three doses of the vaccine are given over a four-week period. Antibiotics are also given at the same time.
How to protect yourself from anthrax?
The anthrax vaccine is about 90% effective in preventing infection . However, it is only given to people between the ages of 18 and 65 who work in high-risk occupations. That means farmers, livestock workers, military personnel, people who research bacteria, and veterinarians. Five doses of the vaccine are given over an 18-month period. After that, a booster shot is given once a year.
If you find out you've been exposed to anthrax, this vaccine can also help stop the infection.
In the United States, in areas where anthrax is common, such as Texas, animals that graze on pasture are given a special anthrax vaccine.
Important: This anthrax vaccine is not given to the general public.
If you are traveling to an area where anthrax is common, be aware of these things:
- Do not eat raw or undercooked meat.
- Do not touch or buy souvenirs made from animal skins or fur.
- Do not touch or pet animals.
How long does it take to recover from anthrax? (Prognosis)
If you think you may have been exposed to anthrax, see a doctor immediately and start antibiotics or other treatment. Anthrax can be fatal if left untreated. Prompt treatment can prevent severe infection and life-threatening symptoms and increase your chances of a full recovery.
What time should I see a doctor?
If you suspect you have been exposed to anthrax and have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- Coughing up blood (Blood in respiratory secretions)
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Severe stomach pain
If I have anthrax, what questions should I ask the doctor?
If you have anthrax, you may want to ask your doctor these questions:
- How did I get anthrax?
- What type of anthrax do I have?
- What is the best treatment for me?
- Can I get the anthrax vaccine?
- What can I do to prevent anthrax from happening again?
- Is my family at risk of developing anthrax?
- Should I be aware of complications?
Finally, things to remember
Anthrax is not a very common disease in Sri Lanka. However, people in certain occupations and those traveling to developing countries are at higher risk of exposure to this bacteria. If you work in such a high-risk field, talk to your doctor about getting anthrax vaccination.
The important thing is that anthrax infection can be cured if treated quickly. Inhalation anthrax is a bit more dangerous and difficult to treat. That's why it's considered a bioterrorism threat.
If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Stay healthy!
` Anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, spores, infectious diseases, cutaneous anthrax, inhalational anthrax, antibiotics
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