What is Anthrax? Let's be aware of this dangerous disease

You've probably heard the name 'anthrax' in the newspaper or on television. But what is it really? Is it something to be afraid of? Anthrax is actually a very serious infection caused by bacteria. It's not very common in our country, but it's important to be aware of it. This disease usually affects farm animals like cattle and sheep. However, it can also be transmitted to people who come into contact with such infected animals or products obtained from them.

What causes anthrax ?

Simply put, anthrax is caused by a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis . This bacterium is very dangerous because it can form a protective shell around itself and survive as spores in the environment, especially in soil, for years without causing any harm.

Think of these spores as tiny seeds that have fallen asleep. When they enter our bodies, once they get the right environment, they wake up from their slumber and become active bacteria again. Then these bacteria start producing toxins that are harmful to our bodies. It is these toxins that make us sick.

How do we get anthrax?

Here's something very important for you to know. Anthrax is not a disease that can be spread from person to person. That means it can't be spread by being around someone who has a cold or cough. So how do we get it?

There are several main ways this disease can be transmitted:

• Through the skin: Anthrax spores enter the body through a wound in your skin, such as a cut or scratch. This is how most people get anthrax.
• Respiratory: Inhalation of spores in the environment. This is the most dangerous and deadly form of anthrax.
• Through the food route : By eating food contaminated with spores, such as undercooked meat.
• Through drug injection: Injecting drugs such as impure heroin can result in the ingestion of spores. This has been reported in several European countries.

Those most at risk are those who work with infected animals on farms, those who work with products such as animal skins or fur, veterinarians, and those who work with anthrax bacteria in laboratories.

What are the symptoms of anthrax?

The symptoms of anthrax depend on how the bacterial spores entered the body. Let's look at each of these scenarios separately.

How to diagnose the disease?

If your doctor suspects you have anthrax, they will first ask you about your occupation, whether you interact with animals, or have been exposed to anything suspicious. Then they will run several tests to confirm the disease.

• Blood tests: Check your blood for antibodies against the anthrax bacteria or toxins produced by the bacteria.
• Skin sampling: If you have a skin lesion, a small sample will be taken from the lesion and tested in a laboratory.
• Chest X-ray or CT scan: These tests are done if you suspect you have anthrax through the respiratory tract.
• A stool test: Check for anthrax in the digestive tract.
• Spinal Tap: If you suspect you have meningitis, you may need to have this test (spinal tap or lumbar puncture) to take a small sample of spinal fluid for testing.

What are the treatments for anthrax?

Treatment depends on the type of infection and the severity of the disease.

1. Antibiotics: This is the main treatment for anthrax. In severe cases, these are given intravenously (IV).

2. Antitoxins: A special type of medicine that is given to neutralize the toxins produced by bacteria. `(Obiltoxaximab)` and `(raxibacumab)` are two such medicines.

3. Hospitalization: People who are seriously ill are necessarily treated in a hospital.

Who is given the anthrax vaccine?

There is a vaccine to protect against anthrax. However, it is not a vaccine given to the general public. This vaccine is only given to people who are at high risk of exposure to the disease. That is:

• For those who work with anthrax bacteria in laboratories.
• For those engaged in industries related to animal products (leather, fur).
• To military personnel in some countries.

In an emergency, such as a bioterrorism attack, this vaccine may be given to those who have been exposed. In such a case, 3 doses of the vaccine over a 4-week period and 60 days of antibiotics would be required.