Anthrax
Alternate Names : Woolsorter's disease, Ragpicker's disease, Cutaneous anthrax, Gastrointestinal anthrax
Treatment
Most people with anthrax are treated with antibiotics. Several antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin. When treating inhalational anthrax, a combination of antibiotics should be used. Doctors often start treatment ciprofloxacin plus another drug, given through a vein (intravenously).
Cutaneous anthrax is treated with antibiotics taken by mouth, usually for 7 to 10 days. The length of treatment for inhalation anthrax is currently about 60 days, since it may take anthrax spores that long to grow. In the event of a bioterrorist attack, the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile is available to help provide antibiotics should a shortage occur.
Prognosis (Expectations)
When treated with antibiotics, cutaneous anthrax is likely to get better. However, up to 20% of people who do not get treatment may die due to anthrax-related blood infections. People with second-stage inhalation anthrax have a poor outlook, even with antibiotic therapy. Up to 90% of cases in the second stage are fatal. Gastrointestinal anthrax infection can spread to the bloodstream, and may result in death.
Complications
Cutaneous anthrax: - Spread of infection into the bloodstream
Inhalational anthrax: - Hemorrhagic meningitis
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the chest (mediastinal adenopathy)
- Fluid buildup in the chest (pleural effusion)
- Shock
- Death
Gastrointestinal anthrax - Severe bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Shock
- Death
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you have been exposed to anthrax, or if you develop symptoms of any type of anthrax.
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