Anthrax is a rare, life-threatening infection. It leads to swelling, bleeding, and tissue death.
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Certain bacteria and its spores cause anthrax. They are found in soil and animals. The spores can get into the body in several ways:
Once in the body, the spores multiply and release toxins.
The risk of anthrax is higher in those who:
Symptoms start within a few days after infection.
Cutaneous symptoms may be:
Inhalation symptoms start with:
Other symptoms begin later such as:
Gastrointestinal symptoms can be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done. The doctor may give tests to rule out other causes.
Tests to diagnose anthrax may be:
Treatment will start right away. It will involve:
The risk of anthrax may be reduced by:
A vaccine may be given to some people at high risk for anthrax.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov
Military Health System
https://health.mil
Alberta Health
https://www.alberta.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Anthrax. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax. Accessed February 2, 2021.
Anthrax. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/anthrax Accessed February 2, 2021.
Anthrax. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax. Accessed February 2, 2021.
Bower WA, Schiffer J, et al. Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States: recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices, 2019. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2019;68(4):1-14.
Last reviewed September 2020 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 2/2/2021
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