Ways to get Anthrax:
A. Skin. Coetaneous Anthrax
follows the deposition of B anthracis spores to the epidermis. They multiple and produce
TOXIN. Local lesion is
the evidence that our body can actually confined the infection.
B. Air way. Inhalation infection is
possible from the air-borne particle contaminated with the Anthrax spores. Spores are carried to the lymph
nodes where germination takes place. Toxin then is produced.
C. GI ( gastrointestinal). Vegetative cells are ingested, and they pass through
the intestinal mucous, germinated and multiply, producing toxin. Toxin causes necrosis and ulcerative
lesion. This is usually in the ileum/cecum area, leading to hemorrhage ( internal bleeding).
Symptoms:
A. Inhaled : Onset of disease depends to a great extent on
dosage inhaled. Initial symptoms resemble that of common cold or flu,
with malaise, muscle aches, tiredness, accompanies by cough and chest discomfort.
Onset is usually from 2-6 days after exposure. This is followed by a few
days of improvements, and a subsequent relapse of symptoms, only this time is much worse.
Symptoms include neck swelling on chest X-Ray (widened mediastinum a hallmark characteristic) . Pleural
effusion and mild pneumonitis may develop. Untreated, mortality is
approximately 20 per cent.
50 per cent of anthrax cases have associated hemorrhagic meningitis. Death typically occurs 24-36 hours
later.
B. Cutaneous: Anthrax can also
be transmitted through cutaneous exposure through a skin lesion, not
through intact skin. A small painless black lesion is the first symptom. Ulceration of the
lesion follows an incubation period of 1-5 days. Massive surrounding edema is common. Fever, chill and
lymph node inflammation may also occur.
Anthrax is not transmitted from one person to another through airway
secretions, bodily fluids or intestinal content. Contact is required, such as wool coat,
shaving brush, or yarn that are commonly originated from Asia, Middle East, and Africa. Anthrax
does not penetrate thru intact skin. It produces spores that are resistant to heat and disinfectant. In a
developed country, anthrax is likely to be agriculturally acquired or through the laboratory. Agriculture
cases commonly is associated with contact with diseased animal: cattle,
swine, or horses.
C. Gastrointestinal: Incubation period
is 2-5 days after the ingestion of the contaminated meat. symptoms include nausea, vomiting,
anorexia ( no appetite), fever. stomach pain, vomit blood, and bloody diarrhea. White blood cell
count can be elevated.
Prevention:
A myriad of disease, from cancer to hormonal dysfunction, can now be traced to immune system breakdown. A
strong defense is the best offence. In the case of Anthrax, this cannot be truer. Those living in
metropolitan areas are exposed to a variety of toxins from pollution. Immune system is often compromised.
Since there is no way to know where the bio-terrorist attack may occur, the best prevention is to have a
strong body with health immune system.
1. Start with a healthy
anti-aging diet with abundance of anti-oxidants and fresh whole vegetables. Consider a
vegetable juicing program to boost immune function.
2. Key
nutritional supplements with immune
enhancing properties include zinc, vitamin C, and selenium.
3. Maintain a consistent and moderate exercise program also
boost the immune system.
4. Adequate rest and
sleep are
important factors to a healthy immune system.
Treatment / Suspected Exposure:
1. Immunization carries with it a 93% success rate. It was
given to soldiers during the Gulf War, but there are significant side
effects associated with the vaccine. Vaccination is therefore
not recommended as a general precautionary measure unless you
are in a position of high risk . The first thing you should do in suspected exposure to anthrax is to
check yourself into a hospital for testing.
2. Since anthrax can be transmitted into the body through open wounds, those with open lesions and cuts,
etc, should keep these exposed areas covered any open wounds
with medicated gauze.
3. To prevent inhalation of spores during a known attack,
wear a surgical mask that is filtered to take out organisms of 0.1
micron. Seal the edges with any tape to tighten the seal. Change masks often. Masks that have
been exposed to anthrax spores in contaminated areas should be burned. Do note that anthrax is not
transmitted by the respiratory route from person to person. If you find yourself in an anthrax
exposed area, a mask may be better than nothing.
4. Masks exposed to anthrax should be disposed of and burned as they would be highly contaminated. Fresh
masks should be put on if one has traveled through a contaminated area and then entered a clean area.
5. Report to your nearest public health agency. Eating and drinking
should be conducted in areas that are not contaminated. Usually this means a building that has its own
positive air circulation system that does not mix with outside air. Unfortunately, few buildings are like
this.
6. Disinfection of contaminated articles may be accomplished using a 0.05% hypochlorite solution (1 tbsp. bleach per gallon of water).
7. The military chemical protective mask is effective against inhalation of all Biological Warfare Agents.
Diagnosis:
Definitive diagnosis is through positive blood test or
cerebral Spinal Fluid
TREATMENT:
For adults, the CDC-recommended doses are 500 milligrams of Cipro twice a day
for 60 days; or 100 mg of doxycycline twice a day for 60 days; or 500 mg of
amoxicillin three times a day for 60 days.
FAQ on Anthrax as Published by the Center for Disease Control and other sources:
What is anthrax?
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax
most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower vertebrates (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and
other herbivores), but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue
from infected animals.
Why has anthrax become a current issue?
Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare, the Department of
Defense (DoD) has begun mandatory vaccination of all active duty military personnel who might be involved
in conflict.
What does anthrax look like?
In its most destructive form - an aerosol sprayed into the air - it is invisible and odorless. Anthrax
spores can only be seen through a microscope that magnifies 50 to 100 times.
Would I know if I breathed anthrax?
No.
If anthrax is on the ground, can I get it from kicking up dust?
Probably not. The spores tend to clump together, so even if inhaled, they do not get deep into the lungs.
How much anthrax does it take to make someone sick?
Roughly 10,000 spores.
How common is anthrax and who can get it?
Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals. These include South and
Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. When
anthrax affects humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or their
products. Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal products from other countries where anthrax
is more common may become infected with B. anthracis (industrial anthrax). Anthrax in wild livestock has
occurred in the United States.
How is anthrax transmitted?
Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B.
anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by
handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products.
Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected
animals in the United States.
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within 7
days.
Cutaneous: Most (about 95%) anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion
on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat
hair) of infected animals. 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.
About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare with appropriate
antimicrobial therapy.
Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may
progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal.
Intestinal: 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.
Where is anthrax usually found?
Anthrax can be found globally. It is more common in developing countries or countries without veterinary
public health programs. Certain regions of the world (South and Central America, Southern and Eastern
Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East) report more anthrax in animals than others.
Can anthrax be spread from person-to-person?
Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely to occur. Communicability is not a
concern in managing or visiting with patients with inhalational anthrax.
Is there a way to prevent infection?
In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds are low, humans should avoid
contact with livestock and animal products and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered
and cooked. Also, an anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. The vaccine is reported to be
93% effective in protecting against anthrax.
What is the anthrax vaccine?
The anthrax vaccine is manufactured and distributed by BioPort, Corporation, Lansing, Michigan. The
vaccine is a cell-free filtrate vaccine, which means it contains no dead or live bacteria in the
preparation. The final product contains no more than 2.4 mg of aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant. Anthrax
vaccines intended for animals should not be used in humans.
Who should get vaccinated against anthrax?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommend anthrax vaccination for the following
groups:
Persons who work directly with the organism in the laboratory
Persons who work with imported animal hides or furs in areas where standards are insufficient to prevent
exposure to anthrax spores.
Persons who handle potentially infected animal products in high-incidence areas. (Incidence is low in the
United States, but veterinarians who travel to work in other countries where incidence is higher should
consider being vaccinated.)
Military personnel deployed to areas with high risk for exposure to the organism (as when it is used as a
biological warfare weapon).
The anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program in the U.S. Army Surgeon General's Office can be reached at
1-877-GETVACC (1-877-438-8222).
http://www.anthrax.osd.mil
Pregnant women should be vaccinated only if absolutely necessary.
What
is the protocol for anthrax vaccination?
The immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections given 2 weeks apart followed by three
additional subcutaneous injections given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the
vaccine are recommended thereafter.
Are there adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine?
Mild local reactions occur in 30% of recipients and consist of slight tenderness and redness at the
injection site. Severe local reactions are infrequent and consist of extensive swelling of the forearm in
addition to the local reaction. Systemic reactions occur in fewer than 0.2% of recipients.
How is anthrax diagnosed?
Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating B. anthracis from the blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions or
by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of persons with suspected cases.
Is there a treatment for anthrax?
It can be treated with antibiotics, such as Cipro or doxycycline, if given before symptoms start.
Treatment usually fails once symptoms set in, since it does no good to kill the bacteria once they make
large amounts of toxin.
Where do anthrax spores come from?
Anthrax bacteria live in the blood of animals. When an animal dies, the bacteria form spores, which are
released.
What happens when a person breathes them?
The spores become lodged in the lungs. There, they are picked up by immune-system cells called
macrophages, which carry them to the lymph nodes. On the way, the spores mature into bacteria.
How do they make people sick?
The bacteria multiply in the lymph nodes and then enter the bloodstream. They produce a poison that
causes the immune system to produce lethal doses of chemicals that are ordinarily useful to the body.
How quickly does it kill?
Typically within three days of the start of symptoms.
How soon do symptoms start once people breathe the spores?
Usually around 10 days, but up to six weeks.
Is there a vaccine against anthrax?
The only vaccine is in limited supply and is now only available to the military.
How can anthrax spores be killed?
They can live for many years in the ground and resist drying, heat and ultraviolet light. They can be
killed with a mixture of bleach and water or with vaporized formaldehyde.
Where would someone get anthrax?
Anthrax is grown and maintained in cell cultures that are kept by research labs. It is not sold or
otherwise legally distributed. Theoretically, anthrax could be isolated and grown from the remains of an
animal that died of anthrax or from nearby soil. Several countries have produced large quantities of
anthrax as weapons.
How long has anthrax been around?
Anthrax is thought to have been one of the Egyptian plagues at the time of Moses. The ancient Romans
recorded cases.
Related Links:
Vitamin C and E - Upper limits
30 minute audio discussion by experts on Anthrax
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