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Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
Inhalational anthrax: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management
S Shafazand1, R Doyle, S Ruoss
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305-5236, USA.
Chest
|November 13, 1999
Summary
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. Inhalational anthrax is particularly deadly, often leading to rapid decline and death due to diagnostic delays.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is a historically significant disease.
- It primarily affects herbivores but can infect humans through animal exposure.
- Recent concerns highlight its potential use as a biological warfare agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of anthrax.
- To emphasize the severity and diagnostic challenges of inhalational anthrax.
- To discuss current prevention strategies including vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on anthrax.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and pathological findings.
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- Inhalational anthrax presents insidiously with flu-like symptoms, progressing to severe respiratory distress and shock.
- Classic radiographic findings include mediastinal widening and pleural effusions.
- High mortality is linked to delayed diagnosis; treatment involves supportive care and penicillin.
Conclusions:
- Anthrax, especially inhalational, poses a significant public health threat.
- Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for survival.
- Available vaccines offer protection against aerosolized exposure.
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