Anthrax: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Anthrax or anthrax is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Normally, it occurs very rarely in humans. It is more common in ungulates, but they can transmit the anthrax pathogens if they come into close contact with the human. The most common in humans is cutaneous anthrax. Unfortunately, there are also bilogic agents that are based on the anthrax pathogen.

What is anthrax?

Anthrax, also known as anthrax, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. This occurs primarily in herbivorous animals and can also infect humans through intensive contact with them. The term anthrax is derived from the enlarged and “burnt” looking spleen. Anthrax is mainly found in warmer countries. Whereby hoofed animals such as horses, goats, cattle, pigs and sheep are increasingly affected. This is also the reason why especially people who come into contact with these animals or their products are at risk. In Germany, however, there have been very rare cases of anthrax in recent years.

Causes

The cause of anthrax is considered to be infection with a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium forms spores and in this way reduces its vital functions to a minimum, which in turn allows it to survive for years. In addition, the pathogen possesses a special protein capsule, which enables it to evade animal and human defense mechanisms. On top of that, the bacterium itself forms toxins during its destruction, which are then passed on to the organism. These toxins damage blood vessels and make them passable for red blood cells. As a result, inflammation and bleeding occur in the human or animal organism. Consequently, there is a swelling of the affected tissue, which is preferably skin, lungs or intestines. The transmission of anthrax can happen in different ways. Most often, minor skin lesions are directly infected with anthrax spores, resulting in cutaneous anthrax. Less common, however, is pulmonary anthrax, in which a person becomes infected through the respiratory tract and the associated inhalation of spores. Intestinal anthrax is also rare and is transmitted through raw meat or untreated fresh milk.

Symptoms, complaints, and signs

Depending on how the anthrax pathogens entered the body, different symptoms and symptoms may occur. If the pathogens have entered through a broken skin or inflamed area, swelling and blisters develop in the affected area. In the course, the growths develop into an ulcer, which in turn forms black scabs. As a result of injuries to the veins, hematomas develop in the surrounding region. If the bacteria have been inhaled, the first symptoms appear after three to ten days. Typical flu symptoms then occur, such as fever, chills, fatigue and malaise. As the disease progresses, respiratory problems and a dry cough may also develop. If the symptoms occur after consumption of contaminated food, an illness phase of three to seven days is to be expected. During this period, in addition to general symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, or heartburn occur. In addition, bleeding may occur in the intestinal tract, manifested by bloody diarrhea and vomiting blood. Edema may form in the abdomen. Ulcers and infections also occur, which may be localized in different parts of the body. The symptoms subside after a few days to weeks with appropriate treatment. In severe cases, the disease is fatal.

Course of the disease

The course of anthrax depends entirely on its form. For example, intestinal and pulmonary anthrax end in death after a maximum of three days if treatment is delayed or not given at all. In addition, there is a high probability of developing blood poisoning as a result of anthrax, and the type does not matter. This can manifest itself with fever, skin bleeding, splenomegaly or circulatory shock. In about 20 percent, this leads to death without treatment. However, with timely antibiotic therapy, the mortality rate from anthrax is extremely minimized.

Complications

Depending on its form, anthrax can cause a number of severe complications of the lungs, skin, and intestines.In pulmonary anthrax, bronchitis-like symptoms such as hemoptysis, vomiting, and chills initially occur. This can cause severe respiratory impairment, often resulting in acute respiratory distress and suffocation. During the course of cutaneous anthrax, skin damage occurs, such as eczema and edema, which can become inflamed. The lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes may become inflamed and swollen during the course of the disease, associated with increased susceptibility to infection and an intense feeling of illness. Intestinal anthrax can progress to peritonitis and subsequently cause intestinal rupture, sepsis, and other complications. Concomitant intestinal bleeding and diarrhea occur, causing infection and dehydration. Rarely, severe meningitis can develop from an anthrax infection. During anthrax therapy, the prescribed anti-body drugs sometimes cause severe side effects. For example, the commonly used drug Ciprobay can cause allergic reactions, seizures, anxiety and depression, among other symptoms. Surgical procedures are associated with a high risk of sepsis. In addition, postoperative bleeding, excessive scarring, and severe sensory disturbances may occur.

When should you see a doctor?

Because anthrax is a serious infectious disease, a doctor should always be consulted. Early diagnosis and treatment have a very positive effect on the course of the disease. The doctor should be consulted if the affected person has been bitten by an animal and the bite wound has become infected. There an ulcer can also indicate anthrax and should always be examined by a medical professional. Furthermore, the disease is noticeable by exhaustion, fever or chills. The affected person appears ill, tired and can no longer actively participate in everyday life. In many cases, there is a severe cough or further breathing difficulties. It is not uncommon for loss of appetite or heartburn to also indicate anthrax. The disease can be diagnosed and treated by a general practitioner or in a hospital. There is usually a positive course of the disease without complications. Early diagnosis always has a positive effect on the further course of the disease.

Treatment and therapy

In cases of anthrax, early medical treatment with antibiotics must be given. Even in suspected cases, this should be done preventively and have a duration of 60 days. In the case of cutaneous anthrax, treatment should be with penicillin. In the case of intestinal and pulmonary anthrax, on the other hand, doxycycline or ciprofloxacin must be used. In addition, painkillers must be used to treat the specific symptoms and the affected parts of the body must be immobilized. However, any surgical procedures are prohibited in the case of cutaneous anthrax, as the risk of blood poisoning in this case would simply be far too high. On top of that, the affected person should be isolated. However, people who have come into contact with anthrax but have not yet contracted the disease must also be treated. In this case, the use is with antibiotics coupled with a vaccine against anthrax.

Outlook and prognosis

The overall prognosis is poor for anthrax in humans. The exact prognosis depends on localization of the anthrax infection as well as accessibility to antibiotics. Intestinal anthrax and pulmonary anthrax, for example, are fatal in most cases if untreated. In the case of intestinal anthrax, about 50 percent of people treated with drugs also die. Of all the manifestations of anthrax, cutaneous anthrax has the best prospects of cure: administration of antibiotics is usually sufficient if the disease has not yet spread over the entire body. The affected skin areas can heal again with good wound cleansing and adequate protection. Scarring usually occurs. Even untreated, a maximum of one-fifth of cases are fatal. In cases of pulmonary anthrax, most patients die about three to six days after full symptoms appear. Surviving patients sometimes have severe damage to the lungs and may have permanently impaired breathing. Intestinal anthrax is also often fatal. The pathogen can spread quite rapidly to other organs and cause various infections, which is the reason for the high lethality.Although anthrax is treatable, the toxins released are so dangerous in advanced disease that even drugs often fail to avert death. Rapid therapy is therefore important for a good chance of successful treatment.

Follow-up

Infectious diseases often need good aftercare once they have been cured. It is aimed at strengthening the immune system, regenerating the affected person, and, above all, preventing the disease from flaring up again. In the case of anthrax, aftercare focuses primarily on wound healing. Care must be taken to keep the affected skin area free of contamination to avert further infection. This is achieved by carefully covering the area, but also by leaving a scab on the skin until it falls off on its own. It is also important not to start sporting activities too early if the affected person is not yet well enough to do so. Due to the strong side effects that can occur with the use of the medication, affected persons sometimes suffer from anxiety and depressive moods; allergic reactions and seizures are also possible. Scarring, post-operative bleeding and severe sensory disturbances may occur after the procedure, so close monitoring of the healing process is necessary. A gentle mode with sufficient sleep and the help of friends and acquaintances increase well-being and stimulate recovery.

This is what you can do yourself

Patients suffering from anthrax must first and foremost take it easy. Strict bed rest and avoidance of stress apply for the first few days. In terms of diet, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods that strengthen the immune system. In addition to classics such as rusks and meat broth, fruit and vegetables as well as hot chamomile or ginger tea are also helpful. In addition, the respective symptoms must be specifically counteracted. In the case of fever, cold compresses help, while cough and shortness of breath can be alleviated by inhaling a saline solution. For chills, a hot bath is best. A proven natural remedy is the bark of the red cinchona tree, which is brewed and drunk in small sips. In case of severe symptoms, the doctor should prescribe a mild antipyretic medication. Nausea and vomiting usually disappear after one or two days, during which time a gentle diet should be followed and the abdomen soothed with warm compresses. If the symptoms do not subside after a few days, the patient with anthrax must see a doctor again in any case. In case of complications such as blood poisoning or meningitis, the nearest hospital should be visited immediately.