Anthrax. Anthrax: symptoms in humans

Anthrax, an infectious disease known since ancient times, used to have other names “sacred fire”, “Persian fire”.

The causative agent of pathology was described in 1849-1850 by three researchers: A. Pollender, F. Brawell and K. Daven. In 1876, R. Koch isolated it in pure culture. Of all the bacteria pathogenic to humans, the causative agent of anthrax was the first to be discovered.

Therapist: Azaliya Solntseva ✓ Article checked by Dr.

Anthrax in humans

A rare but serious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which is capable of producing spores. Anthrax mainly affects livestock and wild animals. Humans can become infected through direct or indirect contact with sick animals, wool, meat, or skins.

It has not yet been proven that anthrax is transmitted between people, but it is possible that skin lesions in this pathology can be contagious by direct contact. Typically, bacteria enter the body through wounds in the skin, as well as by eating contaminated meat or by inhaling spores.

Most of the cases are dermal (95%), the rest are inhalation (5%) and gastrointestinal (<1%). Признаки и симптомы сибирской язвы у человека могут варьироваться от язвочек на поверхности до рвоты и шока. Быстрое лечение антибиотиками может помочь в большинстве случаев инфекций.

But many people don't know they have the disease until it's too late. A vaccine has been developed to prevent anthrax. It is given to the military and other people at high risk.

Anthrax caused by inhalation of spores (inhalation) is usually fatal, and symptoms often begin a few days after exposure to the bacilli.

Many Europeans are familiar with this pathology because of a case of biological terrorism. The attack happened in 2001. In the course of the attack, someone deliberately spread anthrax throughout the United States through the mail. 5 people died and 22 fell ill.

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The causative agent of this pathology

The pathology is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which is rod-shaped, usually straight, but may be slightly curved. The diameter of the microbe is 1-1.5 microns, and the length is 3-10 microns. Bacilli on solid nutrient media tend to form long chains (colonies), which consist of individual strands of microorganisms, forming the so-called "lion's mane".

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent, produces a jelly-like capsule that can be easily seen under a microscope using methylene blue as a stain. Bacilli grow best in a carbon dioxide environment. Since these bacteria are anaerobes.

Outside the body and under adverse conditions, they are able to form spores that do not exceed the size of the bacterial cell wall. Bacteria secrete dangerous substances - toxins, which are the main cause of death of patients. These substances cause swelling and necrosis of tissues in humans.

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What symptoms cause controversy in a person

Depending on the route of entry of the spores, patients may complain of skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal manifestations of the pathology. The incubation period is different for each form of infection.

Cutaneous form of the disease:

symptoms appear 1-7 days (usually 2-5) after infection;
lesions most often develop in lacerations, abrasions, or insect bites on exposed areas of the upper extremities and, to a lesser extent, the head and neck;
starts as an itchy papule (nodule) that enlarges over 24-48 hours, forming vesicles (vesicles) 1 cm in size, and then becomes an ulcer surrounded by an edematous ring;
lesions are usually up to 2-3 cm in diameter and have a round raised edge;
the formations are painless, but sometimes slightly itchy;
there is swelling of the lymph nodes closest to the site of infection;
the ulcer and surrounding swelling develop into a black eschar within 7-10 days and persist for up to 1-2 weeks before separating and leaving a permanent scar;
if the neck is affected, swelling and swelling of the lymph nodes can compress the trachea and cause breathing difficulties.

Oropharyngeal form of the disease:

infectious disease develops 2-7 days after ingestion of microbes;
fever and swelling of the neck;
the lesion begins as an edematous area that becomes necrotic and forms a scab within 2 weeks;
there is a sore throat, impaired swallowing, breathing and bleeding from the oral cavity;
there is swelling of the soft tissues and an increase in the size of the cervical lymph nodes.

Intestinal form of the disease:

develops 2-5 days after spores enter the digestive system;
abdominal pain and fever, nausea and vomiting, malaise, anorexia, bloody or watery diarrhea;
shock begins.

The inhalation (respiratory) form of the disease begins suddenly, usually 1-3 days after infection, and passes in two phases.

Initial manifestations include the following:

myalgia;
malaise;
fatigue;
unproductive cough;
feeling of pressure in the chest;
fever.

After the first few days, improvement may occur, followed by a rapid deterioration in which the following signs and symptoms may be present:

heat;
severe shortness of breath;
rapid breathing;
cyanosis on the skin;
increased sweating;
hematemesis;
severe chest pain, which can mimic myocardial infarction;
clouding of consciousness, shock and coma.

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Spores of a dangerous disease

Bacteria are spore-forming rods. Spores contribute to long-term survival and spread. The development of spores is helped by nitrogen, which is found in large quantities in the soil. An acidic soil environment above 6 units and an ambient temperature of more than 15 ° C help their growth.

Spores can exist indefinitely in the environment. The optimal conditions for growth, as described above, lead to the vegetative phase (rod formation) and bacterial growth. Precipitation can cause the germination of anthrax spores. At this time, flies and crows actively spread them. So the anthrax bacillus can affect any person.

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Microbiology of anthrax

Anthrax is primarily an infectious disease of herbivores (eg cattle, sheep, goats and horses). Pigs are also not protected, but they are more resistant, as are dogs with cats. Throughout their life cycle, pets are at constant risk.

Birds, as a rule, do not suffer from this pathology. Ravens can transmit spores through their claws and beaks, but are themselves not susceptible to the bacteria. Human infection from birds is extremely rare. Experiments in the science of microbiology have shown that the capsule that surrounds the bacillus is of vital importance in its danger to organisms.

Humans are slightly more resistant to skin infection with bacilli, but microbes can gain access to tissues through microscopic or normal tears and wounds. A pustule (nodule) develops at the site of infection. In its central part, an area of suppuration with an ulcer is formed, surrounded by vesicles filled with a bloody or clear liquid. The lesion is surrounded by extensive edema.

Microscopic organisms multiply in situ in a wound and can spread to the bloodstream or other organs (eg, spleen) via lymphatics. Bacteria remain in the capillaries of the invaded organs, and the bad effects of infection are due to the toxins that the microbes produce.

Spread from the liver, spleen, and kidneys back into the bloodstream can lead to bacteremia (large numbers of bacilli in the blood).

The inhalation form occurs after a person inhales the spores into the lungs. The incubation period is 1-6 days. The spores are then carried to the thoracic and mediastinal lymph nodes, germinate, and begin to produce the toxin.

Anthrax in the lungs does not cause pneumonia, but hemorrhagic mediastinitis (inflammation of the mediastinal tissue) and pulmonary edema appear. Bloody pleural effusions often accompany the inhalation form of the disease. Once the lymph nodes are no longer able to contain the spread of infection, bacteremia quickly sets in and death occurs, in about 95% of cases.

In the intestine, the virus predominantly affects the middle part of the digestive system, similar to lesions that occur in the cutaneous form of the disease. Spores penetrate the mucous membrane. Sometimes tissue necrosis and ulceration at the site of infection lead to hemorrhage from the intestinal vessels.

When spores are transferred to the lymph nodes of the mesentery, they begin to reproduce and bacteremia. Ascites appears, with the formation of a cloudy liquid with an admixture of leukocytes and erythrocytes. The stomach and intestines become swollen.

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Nursing care for infection

Patients can be hospitalized in a regular hospital ward of the infectious diseases department, or treated in a polyclinic. Health workers must wear masks and gloves. If contamination is to be prevented, splash protection and a closed respirator with high-performance air-purifying filters or self-contained breathing apparatus are recommended.

People who are potentially contaminated with spores should wash with soap and water. Clothes are placed in triple plastic bags. If infection is confirmed, then cleaning with soap and water is not enough to disinfect any materials and surfaces; special disinfectant solutions must be used.

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Treatment - how to effectively overcome the virus

Therapy of patients with cutaneous anthrax is carried out in the clinic, since nursing care is very important, using doxycycline tablets or capsules for 7-14 days. Any antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones can serve as a replacement. Before the start of the procedure, a detailed diagnosis is carried out.

Penicillin is more commonly prescribed to treat the inhalation type and meningitis in anthrax. For the prevention of respiratory complications, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin is used for 60 days.

Raxibacumab is an antibody directed against bacteria. It was approved in December 2012 for the treatment of inhaled anthrax or for prophylaxis when other therapies are unavailable or not suitable.

Antimicrobial therapy has a detrimental effect on microorganisms for several hours, but the lethal effect of the pathology is associated with the action of the toxin on the body.

Patients in shock (end-stage disease) should be in an intensive care unit and may require mechanical ventilation.

Despite early treatment, people infected with inhalational and gastrointestinal anthrax have a very poor prognosis. Prevention and vaccination provides almost complete protection, but is carried out only on demand.

all the people who breathed spores , must complete a 60-day course of antimicrobials, regardless of their vaccination status;
antimicrobial therapy with several drugs at once is more likely to lead to a cure;
ciprofloxacin and doxycycline should be given first;
uncomplicated skin form of pathology can be treated only with pills.

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How the bacillus is transmitted - the main ways of infection

Anthrax spores are formed by bacteria that occur naturally in the soil in most parts of the world. They can remain dormant for many years until they find their way into a living organism. Common hosts of anthrax bacilli are wild or domestic livestock such as sheep, cows, horses and goats.

The pathology is still prevalent throughout the developing world, such as in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, and sub-Saharan Africa. The main outbreaks of infection occur in underdeveloped countries. Since the disease is transmitted through contact with infected livestock.

Most human infections result from contact with infected animals, their meat or skins.

One of the few known cases of transmission occurred in the United States in 2001, when 22 people fell ill after coming into contact with mailed spores. Five victims have died.

Most recently, heroin addicts in Europe became infected after intravenous injections of illicit drugs. Eighteen people died. Heroin sold in Europe is most likely produced in regions where spores and anthrax are found.

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Skin form of the disease

It develops 1-7 days after the action of bacteria. The spores enter the body through wounds, cuts, or other imperfections in the skin. The exposed areas of the upper extremities are most commonly affected and, to a lesser extent, the head or neck. This is the most common route of infection.

Symptoms of this form are unexpressed and with appropriate treatment, the disease rarely leads to death. Manifestations of cutaneous anthrax include itching, resembling an insect bite, which quickly develops into a painless nodule with a black center; swelling appears at the site of penetration of the spores and in the area of nearby lymph nodes.

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vaccine against infection

The drug does not contain live bacteria and cannot lead to infection. The vaccine often causes side effects ranging from soreness at the injection site to more severe allergic reactions.

It is not intended for the general public, but only for military personnel and scientists working with anthrax, and for people in various high-risk professions.

Vaccination of livestock is mandatory.

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. It occurs mainly among herbivores, but a person can become infected, despite the fact that the disease is not transmitted from person to person.

Causes of Anthrax

Anthrax occurs in three forms: cutaneous, pulmonary, and intestinal. It is distributed throughout the world, but human cases are rare and sporadic.

carriers anthrax bacilli are herbivores. They mainly suffer from intestinal diseases. A person can become infected through contact with sick animals, as well as with raw materials from them.

At the anthrax there is an important feature - the ability to create disputes, i.e. forms resistant to environmental factors.

Anthrax spores can survive in the ground for several decades, even the boiling point of water. They can be destroyed by many hours of heating to a temperature of 130 ° C, as well as some substances, such as lime mortar, formalin or sublimate.

Anthrax mainly affects people who are professionally exposed to animals and their products.

Symptoms of anthrax

Depending on the site of entry of the anthrax bacillus, three forms of the disease can occur:

Cutaneous anthrax develops after contact of damaged skin with animal products such as skin or wool. There are two variations of this form of anthrax: black pustule and malignant edema.

When black pustules the incubation period ranges from several hours to several days. At the site of penetration of the bacillus, itchy papules initially appear, which quickly turn into a bubble filled with a brown liquid. After about 3-4 days, blisters and black pustules appear, which are hard, painless dry and black scab surrounded by blisters.

The place where the change is located is bloated. Occasionally, a black pustule may be accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding vessels and lymph nodes, pain, and general symptoms such as fever, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, and headaches.

malignant edema is a rare but more dangerous form of cutaneous anthrax. It develops when bacteria enter the face. A pale, soft swelling appears around the site of anthrax penetration, which then turns purple and may also be blistered but not scab.

A complication of the cutaneous form of anthrax is sepsis, which is a generalized infection of the body associated with the penetration of bacilli into the blood (more often with a malignant tumor).

Pulmonary anthrax develops after inhalation of microbes into the lungs, for example, when processing skins obtained from animals. The infection usually begins with chills and fever. A few days later, severe pneumonia develops, hemoptysis, symptoms of respiratory failure, and the development of pulmonary edema. Over time, patients develop severe sepsis. The pulmonary form of anthrax is very dangerous and is associated with high mortality. Patients usually die after 3-4 days of illness.

Least common among humans intestinal form of anthrax. The disease develops after eating contaminated meat or milk. Typical symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (i.e., ascites). Sepsis develops very quickly. In the case of enteric anthrax, symptoms develop rapidly and patients die within 3-4 days of symptom onset.

Prevention and treatment of anthrax

Any anthrax infection subject to mandatory hospitalization and registration. Antibiotics are used to treat anthrax: penicillin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and symptomatic treatment (analgesics, antipyretics).

The disease, despite treatment, is associated with high mortality. Therefore, in the fight against anthrax, the main thing is preventive measures. Prevention consists in following the relevant regulations regarding the handling of animal materials and the disposal of animals killed due to an anthrax outbreak.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted primarily from an infected animal to humans and occurs as painful carbuncles on the skin. Sometimes passes in the form of sepsis. The causative agent of anthrax is considered to be a Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis of the Bacillaceae family. With a multiple increase, it became noticeable that anthrax bacteria have a rod-shaped shape with rounded blunt ends. By the way, it is known that Bacillus anthracis is one of the largest microbes in the world.

This bacterium reproduces by spores, which, in turn, are distinguished by amazing vitality: they can live quietly in the external environment (soil, water) for up to 10 years. However, the lifespan of anthrax spores in soil is much longer than in water. When sanitizing objects where Bacillus anthracis was found, the following disinfectants are used: 1% formalin solution and 10% caustic soda. The duration of treatment with these agents for the complete destruction of bacterial spores should be at least two hours.

Features of the ways of infection with anthrax were proven by the scientist S. S. Andreevsky in the 18th century. However, the bacteria that cause anthrax were described only a century later by scientists K. Daven, F. Pollender, F. Brawell. A huge contribution to the study of the nature of anthrax was made by the Russian and French biologist II Mechnikov.

The source of infection are herbivores: both wild and agricultural. Among them:

horses;
camels;
cows;
pigs;
donkeys;
deer;
goats;
sheep.

The main route of transmission of Bacillus anthracis to animals is alimentary: by eating contaminated food or water from a source that serves as a kind of reservoir for bacteria. In addition, anthrax is also transmitted transmissibly - through the bites of blood-sucking insects (flies, horseflies), which can also be carriers of the disease. Sick animals, along with natural secretions, actively excrete spores of pathogenic bacteria into the external environment. Remarkably, the corpse of an animal that died from anthrax is still the source of the disease.

And the wool and meat of a sick animal remain dangerous to humans for many years. Unfortunately, proper sanitary and epidemiological measures to eliminate anthrax pathogens began to be taken only in the middle of the 20th century. Until 1910, in our latitudes, this disease was widespread, taking the lives of many people with it. By the way, this disease began to be called "Siberian" according to its territorial distribution - in Siberia.

Today, every enterprise working with animals and raw materials of animal origin regularly undergoes sanitary and epidemiological control. It is for this reason that cases of anthrax in Russia are extremely rare: no more than 50 cases per year. The nature of the spread of the disease is often due to the mechanism of transmission of anthrax - people who work with farm animals suffer.

At the same time, for other people, patients are not a source of infection, but for animals - yes. The main route of transmission of the disease from an animal to a person is contact (through damaged skin or mucous membranes). It is noteworthy that the main risk group for contracting an ulcer is able-bodied men from rural areas.

Pathogenic bacteria enter the human body most often through damaged skin. In more rare cases - through the respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract. According to these methods of infection, the following forms are distinguished:

skin form of anthrax (carbunculosis, bullous, edematous).
generalized form (pulmonary, septic, intestinal).

On average, the incubation period of anthrax lasts no more than five days, however, there are cases when its duration was no more than two hours.

The carbuncle form of anthrax is characterized by the gradual formation of a carbuncle at the site of penetration of the bacterium. At first, the skin at the site of its occurrence has a reddish tint, and then it becomes purple. During the formation of a purulent carbuncle, the patient feels an unpleasant tingling and itching. After the pus has come out by breaking through the carbuncle, new vesicles form around the wound. As a result, the skin lesion becomes more extensive.

After some time, a black crust forms at the site of the wound, hence the primary name of the disease - "coal". A particular danger to human life is the carbuncle located on the face. In the future, its spread over the surface of the skin threatens the patient with asphyxia.

During carbuncle formation, the patient may feel:

headache;
ache in the joints;
muscle pain;
lower back pain;
abdominal pain.

Ulcerative skin lesions can heal on their own, but in this case, an unpleasant scar forms on the patient's skin.

The bullous form of anthrax is characterized by the formation of blistering formations on the patient's skin filled with hemorrhagic contents. After the opening of these bubbles, re-formation of the carbuncle is possible.

The edematous form of the disease is characterized by the primary formation of skin edema at the site of infection. The carbuncle appears a little later.

The pulmonary form is one of the most dangerous forms of anthrax, which even today cannot always be cured.

The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

chills.
a sharp increase in temperature up to 40ºС.
conjunctivitis.
runny nose.
cough.
sneezing.
pressure drops sharply.
shortness of breath may occur.

Even with timely medical intervention, the death of the patient can occur literally 3 days after infection.

The septic form manifests itself in the form of primary and secondary sepsis. It is characterized by the formation of a large number of hemorrhages on the skin and mucous membranes of the patient. Infectious-toxic shock may be present.

The intestinal form is characterized by the rapid development of intoxication of the body, as well as:

abdominal pain;
diarrhea;
vomit.

Blood may be present in the patient's vomit and other secretions. The abdomen responds with sharp pain on palpation.

With untimely diagnosis and treatment of this form of the disease, the death of the patient is inevitable.

Diagnostics

It is important to remember that timely access to a doctor is the key to a successful recovery of the patient. An experienced infectious disease specialist will help in the correct choice of diagnostic measures and treatment of anthrax.

The following methods are used to diagnose anthrax:

microscopic examination of sputum (feces) of the patient.
inoculation of bacterial culture.
thermoprecipitation reaction according to Ascoli.
luminescent serotological analysis.
x-ray of the lungs (with the pulmonary form of anthrax).
pleural puncture.

To eliminate the consequences of the cutaneous form of anthrax, the patient may need to consult a dermatologist.

Treatment

To date, penicillin remains the most effective means of combating anthrax. It is administered intramuscularly to the patient for a week (or until the signs of the disease disappear completely). Treatment of anthrax should be carried out in a hospital setting. In addition to injections of penicillin, the patient may be prescribed:

doxycycline;
levofloxacin;
ciprofloxacin.

Detoxification measures involve the use of intravenous prednisolone. Successfully recovered patients may develop immunity, but there are also cases of re-infection.

Prevention

Preventive measures to combat anthrax include strict sanitary and epidemiological control over veterinary and livestock enterprises. Workers in these areas to this day constitute a risk group for anthrax. For this reason, they should be regularly monitored by a doctor. Regular use of a special vaccine for people at risk is strongly recommended.

In addition, there should be strict control over the state of pastures, sources of drinking water for farm animals, which are intended for consumption. Sanitary services should monitor the state of burials of farm animals.

Forecast

In modern realities, the prognosis for anthrax patients is usually favorable. Nevertheless, some forms of the disease, for example, pulmonary, can still provoke a fatal outcome to this day. It is for this reason that it is extremely important to immediately consult a doctor when the first alarming symptoms occur.

Anthrax is a particularly dangerous infectious disease that occurs in livestock and representatives of the wild animal world. The disease is known under the names "anthrax" and "malignant carbuncle". Anthrax is not only dangerous for animals, symptoms in humans can appear within a few hours after infection.

Anthrax in Yamal: latest news

Anthrax occurs in animals in two forms: carbunculous (or skin) and intestinal. The first variety is more typical for cattle and horses. At the site of the introduction of the pathogen, a painful hot seal appears. Then the edema turns into an ulcer with jagged edges.

The intestinal form of the disease is divided into several types. With a lightning-fast course of the disease, the animal dies within a few hours after infection. Shortly before death, convulsions and shortness of breath may occur. Dark-colored blood comes out of the rectum. There is a discharge of bloody foam from the mouth and nose. In an acute course, the mucous membranes of the animal acquire a bluish tint. Pregnancy of an infected female usually ends in miscarriage. The animal experiences excessive excitement or, conversely, feels increased fatigue. The acute form is characterized by disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. After the death of the animal, he observed bloody discharge from various cavities.

Chronic and subacute anthrax in most cases can be found in pigs. The similarity of the symptoms of anthrax in chronic and subacute form with the symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis leads to an incorrect diagnosis. If the animal managed to survive, it acquires a stable and long-lasting immunity.

How is anthrax transmitted to humans?

Transmission of the disease from person to person is almost impossible.

During the summer months, anthrax can be carried by blood-sucking insects. Feeding on the blood of a sick animal, they carry out the transmission of infection.
Knowing how anthrax is transmitted to humans, special veterinary services regularly identify foci of infection. Those who work with animals need to be vaccinated in a timely manner.
The most likely to become infected are workers in production, one way or another connected with processing meat or animal skins, which may be infected. In addition, people involved in the burial of the corpses of sick individuals may suffer. The risk of infection is also high for those who use products made from sick animals: fur coats, shaving brushes, etc. You can get sick with anthrax even if the infected meat was not cooked well enough. Easily infected and those who have the habit of eating raw meat.
If flu symptoms have joined hemoptysis, the patient does not have the flu. This usually indicates that the patient has a pulmonary form of anthrax, which is considered the most dangerous and severe. The incubation period can last from a couple of hours to several days.

At the first sign of illness, you should immediately consult a doctor. Probably the common flu was the cause of the fever and chills. However, one should not exclude such a dangerous disease as anthrax, the symptoms in a person are often disguised as other diseases. As a result, the patient prefers treatment with folk remedies at home instead of going to a specialist. To rid the patient of anthrax, the strongest antibiotics are used, the absence of which leads to death. Both people and animals who have been ill with this dangerous disease receive long-term immunity.

Anthrax is a serious disease that often ends in death. The main source of infection is livestock and wild animals. In today's article, we will consider the main symptoms of a terrible disease, preventive measures and methods of treatment.

Causes and causative agent of the disease

Anthrax is a disease that occurs in animals. It is from them that disputes are transmitted to humans. Experts have found that the infection, as a rule, penetrates the skin if they have open wounds or other damage.

Anthrax is caused by spores of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

They develop only under favorable conditions:

the presence of moist soil;
air temperature +12 degrees.

At high temperatures, the spores of the infectious agent die. They are also "terrified" of any disinfectants.

The source of anthrax is wild animals and often livestock. They pose a danger to humans from the first day of infection and 7 more days after death. In this case, it is impossible to cut the carcass of an animal in any case. The coat of a sick individual is contagious for another 3-5 years.

How is anthrax transmitted

Animals can become infected in several ways:

Drinking contaminated water or writing. Especially often, such problems arise with domestic animals that are taken to pastures.
When bitten by insects that have had contact with an infected animal.

The ways of transmission of anthrax to humans are somewhat different:

Air. Together with dust, a person inhales anthrax spores. With weak immunity, cells do not react in any way to “foreign” particles. Bacteria enter the lungs, then "attack" the lymph nodes. After that, they actively multiply, are carried by the bloodstream throughout the body, affecting the internal organs.
Domestic. In this case, a person must have close contact with an infected animal. Often, infection occurs during the butchering of livestock carcasses.
Food. If the meat of an infected animal gets into the dish, while sufficient heat treatment has not been completed, a person has an intestinal form of anthrax.
Transmissible. In the event of a bite from a sick animal.

It is characterized by the following features:

literally in the first few hours after infection, ulcers form on the human body. They may look different. As a rule, these are wounds with uneven, inflamed edges, in the center of which there is a dark spot (eschar). In this case, there are no painful sensations. There are also common cases when a large blister with blood contents is observed on the skin;
around the ulcers you can see bubbles that outwardly resemble purulent boils;
lymph nodes in the neck enlarge, become painful;
body temperature rises. But critical levels (above 39 degrees) are rare.

If the treatment of cutaneous anthrax is started on time, the chances of a favorable prognosis are quite high.

In the pulmonary form, the following clinical picture can be observed:

chest pain;
on the first day, dry cough, which only increases with time;
increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees;
enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes.

If treatment is not started at this stage, the patient's condition will only worsen every hour. This will lead to severe shortness of breath, cyanosis of the integument, pulmonary edema. Without timely treatment, the death of the patient occurs within 3 days.

The intestinal form is considered the most severe and rapidly developing.

The signs are the following:

an increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees;
sharp pain in the abdomen;
diarrhea with an admixture of blood;
vomit;
loss of consciousness.

The chances of saving the patient are 1-2%.

Anthrax is a disease that is not to be trifled with. A delay of several hours can cost a person their life. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

To diagnose the disease, the following specialists should be involved:

infectious disease specialist;
therapist;
surgeon;
dermatologist.

After the initial examination, the specialists without fail send the patient to the hospital, where he will undergo a series of tests:

general detailed analysis of blood and urine;
puncture;
chest x-ray;
Abdominal ultrasound.

Each case is considered individually. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations.

How to treat anthrax

Anthrax in humans is treated only in a hospital under the constant supervision of doctors.

The following types of drugs are prescribed:

antibiotics. They are administered intravenously for 7-14 days. Mostly used means based on penicillin;
drugs to maintain the general condition of the patient and those that can prevent intoxication of the body;
glucocorticoids. Necessary in case of damage to the central nervous system, with edema.

There are several varieties of it:

purified. The canker spores were grown in the laboratory and then killed by heat treatment. With such a vaccination, the risks of complications are minimal;
live vaccine. Anthrax spores are administered to humans in small quantities. Immune cells attack the "enemy". At the same time, long-term immunity to the disease is developed;
combined.

Experts advise using purified vaccines.

But still, do not forget that after vaccination there may be the following side effects:

severe weakness, up to loss of consciousness;
migraine;
enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes.

Vaccination is prohibited in the following cases:

pregnancy and lactation;
oncology and AIDS;
serious chronic diseases;
skin ailments.

Remember, anthrax is in most cases fatal, so vaccination is a necessary measure in close contact with livestock and wild animals.

Prevention measures

How can you protect yourself from anthrax infection?

Prevention methods are as follows:

Mandatory vaccination of animals.
Livestock supervision.
Routinely conducting a series of tests for animals.
Vaccination of people who are at risk (farmers).
Proper storage of meat products.
Burning of infected animal carcasses.

Anthrax is a disease that is not so common in developed countries. But still, isolated cases, alas, occur. That is why it is very important to know the ways of infection and the symptoms of the disease.

If you observe signs of anthrax in yourself, consult a doctor without fail. Delay can lead to serious complications and death.