Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of anthrax (anthrax). Family history What is the general health status of your relatives? Social history What is your profession? Do you work a lot with animals, animal products? Are you a hunter? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms … Anthrax: Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Influenza Infections of the mediastinum (middle pleural space), unspecified Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) Streptococcal tonsillitis (tonsillitis) Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99) Furunculosis – bacterial infections of multiple hair follicles. Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Skin/soft tissue infection, unspecified. Histoplasmosis – infectious disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Legionnaires’ disease – infectious … Anthrax: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the major diseases or complications that may be contributed to by anthrax (anthrax): Respiratory system (J00-J99) ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) – acute respiratory failure, often associated with MODS, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome; MOF: multiple organ failure; simultaneous or sequential failure or severe functional impairment of multiple vital organ systems of the … Anthrax: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin [papules (“nodules”), vesicles (blisters/bubbles); with black scabs (splenic gangrene)], mucous membranes, and throat. Abdomen (abdomen): Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin … Anthrax: Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Pathogen detection (cultural, PCR, antigen detection) from Wound swab Sputum/bronchial secretion Stool CSF (nerve fluid) Blood Namely, the direct or indirect detection of Bacillus anthracis must be reported if the evidence indicates acute infection (Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Humans). 2nd … Anthrax: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Elimination of the pathogens Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Antibiosis (antibiotic therapy); therapy should be intravenous if there is evidence of systemic spread.Duration of therapy: Localized cutaneous anthrax: 7-10 days. Suspected inhalation of spores: 60 days. Caveat. If the central nervous system (CNS) is involved, the antibiotic must be liquid-permeable (property of active … Anthrax: Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic workup Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics. X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen (abdominal CT) … Anthrax: Diagnostic Tests
To prevent anthrax (anthrax), attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Workers in the following occupations are at particular risk. Processing of animals (hides/skins, bones, etc.). Veterinary medicine Agriculture Forestry Hunting industry Disease-related risk factors Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99) Drug dependence (intravenous heroin use). Exposure prophylaxis Unprotected contact with … Anthrax: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate anthrax (anthrax): Cutaneous anthrax Rapidly progressive inflammation of the skin with a papule (“nodule”), painless Further development into blisters (vesicles). These further develop into an ulcer (boil) with a black scab (splenic gangrene carbuncle) Spread via the lymph possible Pulmonary anthrax Initial symptoms similar to those of a … Anthrax: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (disease development) Bacillus anthracis is a highly pathogenic spore-forming gram-positive rod bacterium. The bacterium has the ability to form capsules and endotoxins. The spores are highly resistant to disinfectants and also heat. Human infection can occur by the following routes: Through small skin lesions (cutaneous anthrax). Through aerosols (pulmonary anthrax). Through contaminated meat products … Anthrax: Causes
Intensive medical treatment! Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) Exposure to Bacillus anthracis should be followed by PEP with ciprofloxacin or doxycycline (oral) If aerogenic exposure occurred, PEP should be continued for 60 days Antibody preparations still need to be tested Standard hygiene (with spore-active disinfectants) must be strictly observed; personal protective equipment with mouth/nose/eye protection and protective … Anthrax: Therapy
