Anthrax

Anthrax is a very severe infection that is caused by Bacillus anthracis. The infection usually affects the both the domestic and wild animals, but it can also be transferred to humans through consuming contaminated meat, or drinking contaminated water. Humans can also contract this disease by coming into contact with spores or breathing them.

Anthrax Drugs

Anthrax Symptoms

There are the many ways through which you can identify anthrax and its symptoms. This condition is known for having many symptoms, but the symptoms are determined by the type of anthrax that you are suffering from. Here are some of the main symptoms of anthrax:

• A group of blisters or bumps that may be itching
• Swelling around sores
• Painless skin sores with a black center
• Sores on the face, neck, arms, or hands
• Fever and chills
• Swelling of neck or neck glands
• Hoarseness
• Nausea and vomiting, especially bloody vomiting
• Sore throat
• Painful swallowing
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains
• Extreme tiredness
• Body aches
• Headache
• Sweats

Anthrax Causes

The main cause of the anthrax condition the bacteria called the Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria can be found in any place since they usual hide in the soil. The bacteria can be inhaled by human or even the animal and this definitely result to an infection. The infection can also be contacted by consuming meat from an infected animal. Similarly drinking infected water will also lead to an infection. In recent years, anthrax has been known as a terrorist weapon. It can be used as a biological weapon due to its spore-like availability.

Anthrax Diagnosis

Diagnosing anthrax is very simple, and it will be determined by the type anthrax that you are suffering from. You may either be suffering from cutaneous anthrax, Inhalation anthrax or gastrointestinal anthrax and all are diagnosed differently. This is how anthrax can be diagnosed:

• Measure the levels of the antibodies in the blood. The fact that the bacteria reproduces or multiplies in the body, thus the amount of antibodies in the blood shows the extent of the infection.
• Test the presence of the Bacillus anthracis in the blood, spinal fluid, respiratory secretion and skin lesion swab. This will assist in determining the right medication.

Anthrax Treatment

The physician has several options for treating patients depending on the type of anthrax that they are suffering. If the patient is suffering from a serious case, then they will require to be hospitalized. Severe anthrax conditions can easily cause death. Below are some of the common treatments for anthrax.

• Antibiotics: Bacillus anthracis is a form of bacteria that is responsible for this condition. Use of antibiotics is one of the main forms of treatment that has been found to work incredibly well in treating this condition.
• Antitoxins: the bacteria causing anthrax usually produce toxins as they spread in the body. These toxins are responsible other illnesses and by using the antitoxin is will eliminate them.