Anthrax

References What You Need to Know Frequently Asked Questions Questions & Answers: RISK

Epidemiology of the Disease

Bacillus anthracis

Endospore Free Spores

Bacillus anthracis in Skin Lesion

Worldwide Geographic Distribution of Anthrax

Classic Eschar of Cutaneous Anthrax

Dilemmas We Face Inhalational anthrax First, flu-like illness May resolve briefly Recrudescence is often rapidly fatal Antibiotic late in illness cannot reverse toxins Early cultures not revealing Cutaneous Anthrax Skin lesion first Lower mortality Gastrointestinal anthrax undercooked meat of ill animals Diarrhea, bloody

for Diagnosed Cases

Treatment for Exposed, Unvaccinated Individuals Penicillins Tetracyclines Fluoroquinolones Ciprofloxacin

Anthrax Toxin Lethal mode of action due to: Oxygen depletion Secondary shock Increased vascular permeability Which lead to respiratory and cardiac failure

Anthrax Toxin (cont’d) Mediated by a temperature sensitive plasmid, pX01 Three components (each a thermolabile protein) Factor 1- Edema factor (EF) Factor II- Protective antigen (PA) Factor III - Lethal factor (LF)

Anthrax Toxin (cont’d) PA + LF Lethal activity EF + PA Edema EF + LF Inactive PA + LF + EF Edema, necrosis and death

Disinfection after Attack Vegetative form 0.05% Hypochlorite solution (Chlorox) (one Tbsp bleach/gal. of water) Spores Steam sterilization Boiling for 30 min Chlorine dioxide Perhaps some gases