Anthrax, Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications

Anthrax, Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications

Anthrax is an infectious disease that is transmitted from livestock. A person can get anthrax if he touches or eats the flesh of an animal infected with anthrax. According to one study, 2,000–20,000 cases of anthrax in humans occur every year. This disease generally occurs in developing and less developed countries.

Anthrax is a serious disease that can cause death. Even so, this zoonotic disease is rare. In addition, to date there is no evidence to suggest that the bacteria that causes anthrax can be transmitted between humans.

Causes of Anthrax

Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis that lives in the soil. These bacteria can attack grass-eating animals, such as cattle, goats, sheep, and horses.

Based on the mode of transmission, anthrax is divided into three types, namely:

Skin anthrax
Skin anthrax is contagious in people who have open sores on the skin. Transmission occurs when a person touches the skin, fur, bones, or flesh of an infected animal.

Skin anthrax is the most common type of anthrax, but it is not dangerous. Anthrax usually develops 1–7 days after exposure.

Digestive anthrax
This type of anthrax occurs when a person eats the meat of an infected animal so that the anthrax bacteria enter the digestive tract. This condition generally occurs 1-7 days after a person is exposed to the bacteria.

Respiratory anthrax
Respiratory anthrax is the most dangerous anthrax. A person can become infected with respiratory anthrax by inhaling pollen (spores) of the anthrax bacteria, for example when processing fur or skin from livestock.

Infections due to anthrax usually only develop after 7 days to 2 months after a person is exposed.

In addition to the above methods, anthrax can also be transmitted through the use of injectable heroin. However, this type of anthrax only occurs in European countries.

Anthrax risk factors
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of being infected with anthrax, namely:

Activities in areas where anthrax is common
Work in the processing of leather, fur, or meat from farm animals
Profession as a breeder or animal caretaker
Work as an anthrax researcher in a laboratory
Profession as a veterinarian, especially those dealing with farm animals

Until now there has been no research showing that anthrax can be transmitted between humans. However, it is possible that a person can also become infected with anthrax from contact with wounds on the skin of an anthrax sufferer.

Symptoms of Anthrax

Symptoms of anthrax can vary, depending on the route the bacteria enter into a person's body. The following are some of the symptoms of anthrax based on how it is transmitted:

Skin anthrax
Skin anthrax is characterized by the appearance of many bumps on the skin that can be accompanied by itching. These lumps most often appear on the face, neck, and arms. Then the lump can turn into a black, painless ulcer.

Digestive anthrax
Symptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax or gastrointestinal anthrax include:

Nausea and vomiting
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Stomach ache
Loss of appetite
Headache
Fever
Lump on neck
Diarrhea
Bloody CHAPTER

Respiratory anthrax
Symptoms of respiratory anthrax include:

Fever
Pain when swallowing
Muscle ache
Tired easily
Hard to breathe
Shock
Inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis)

When to go to the doctor
Anthrax is a rare disease. However, if you work in an environment where there is a risk of exposure to anthrax, you will need to be vaccinated.

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms of anthrax as described above, especially if you have frequent contact with farm animals, or eat undercooked beef.

Anthrax Diagnosis

In diagnosing anthrax, the doctor will first ask about the symptoms that appear and a history of contact with farm animals, then perform a physical examination. If anthrax is suspected, the doctor will ask the patient to undergo a series of tests, such as:

• Skin test
The doctor will take a sample of fluid or skin from the blister, which is suspected to be the entry point for bacteria, to be examined in a laboratory.
• Blood test
The doctor will perform a blood test on the patient to determine the presence of anthrax bacteria in the blood.
• Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray aims to detect lung abnormalities, which can occur as a result of inhaling anthrax bacteria.
• Stool examination
Doctors can examine a patient's stool sample to detect the presence of anthrax bacteria in the stool.
• Lumbar puncture
A lumbar puncture is performed by taking spinal cord fluid through a needle inserted into the spinal gap. The spinal fluid will then be examined in a laboratory.

Anthrax Treatment

Anthrax will be easier to cure if treatment is done quickly. The doctor will give a combination of antibiotics, such as penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin, to maximize treatment.

Please note that the success rate of anthrax treatment depends on the age, the patient's general health condition, and the area of the body that is infected.

Complications of Anthrax

If not treated promptly, anthrax can cause inflammation of the lining of the brain and spine (meningitis). This condition can cause heavy bleeding that can lead to death.

Anthrax Prevention

Anthrax can be prevented by avoiding the factors that can trigger its transmission. Some efforts that can be done are:

Ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before eating
Undergo anthrax vaccination, especially if you have risk factors for this disease
Avoid interactions with animals infected with anthrax

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