Anthrax

:Alternate meanings in Anthrax (disambiguation)

Means of infection

Anthrax can enter the human body through the intestines, lungs (inhalation), or skin (cutaneous). Anthrax is non-contagious, and is unlikely to spread from person to person.

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Pulmonary (pneumonic, respiratory, inhalation) anthrax

Inhalation infection initially presents with cold or flu-like symptoms for several days, followed by severe (and often fatal) respiratory problems. If not treated soon after exposure, before symptoms appear, inhalation infection is the most deadly, with a nearly 100% mortality rate. A lethal case of anthrax is reported to result from inhaling 10,000-20,000 spores. This form of the disease has also been known as Woolsorters' disease. Other routes have included the slicing up of animal horns for the manufacture of buttons, and handling bristles used for the manufacturing of brushes.

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Gastrointestinal (gastroenteric) anthrax

Gastrointestinal infection often presents with serious gastrointestinal difficulty, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Untreated, intestinal infection results in a 25-60% death rate.

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Cutaneous (skin) anthrax

Cutaneous infection presents with a large, painless necrotic ulcer (beginning as an irritating and itchy skin lesion or blister which is dark in color, usually concentrated as a black dot, somewhat resembling bread mold) at the site of infection, forming about a week or two after exposure. Unlike bruises or most other lesions, cutaneous anthrax does not cause pain. Cutaneous infection is the least deadly; without treatment, approximately 20% of all skin infection cases are fatal. Treated cutaneous anthrax is rarely fatal.

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