Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. It can infect humans through contact with infected animals or animal products, as well as through inhalation of anthrax spores. There are three main types - cutaneous (skin), inhalation (lungs), and gastrointestinal (digestive system). Symptoms vary depending on type but can include lesions, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. Anthrax spores can also be used as a biological weapon. Diagnosis involves cultures and antibody tests while treatment requires long courses of antibiotics.

1. Anthrax Lilia Garbovsky

2. Strains (types) Cutaneous (skin) Inhalation (lungs) Gastrointestinal (digestive)

3. Causes Bacteria Bacillus anthracis

4. How is it spread?

5. Through Animals Humans can become infected after handling infected animals Breathing anthrax spores from infected products (like wool) Eating undercooked meat from infected animals (Undercooked meat)

6. How is it transmutable? As a biological weapon Anthrax spores can be distributed Ex. USA 2001, anthrax spores spread through postal system via letters containing spores

7. Anthrax spores

8. Who gets it? Animals primarily Common in… South & Central America Southern/Eastern Europe Asia Africa Middle East

9. Etiology-the cause or origin of a disease

10. Incubation Period symptoms appear within 7 days of initial contact For inhalation anthrax, anywhere from a week to 60 days

11. Signs and symptoms

12. cutaneous anthrax Raised itchy bump (resembles incest bite) 1-2 days, develops into a vesicle (cyst) Develops into painless ulcer (1-3 cm diameter) Ulcer has black center Swelling of surrounding tissues Swelling of adjacent lymph glands

14. Gastrointestinal Anthrax Initial signs: nausea Loss of appetite Vomiting blood Sever diarrhea Lesions & soreness in throat Difficulty swallowing Swelling of neck &lymph glands 50% of all patients develop meningitis

16. Inhalation anthrax Flu/cold like symptoms Cough Chest discomfort Shortness of breath Tiredness & muscle aches

17. Meditational widening with inhalation anthrax

18. Diagnosis Bacterial cultures Measuring specific antibodies in blood Positive cultures are unlikely after antibiotic treatment has been started

19. Pathophysiology -the physiology of abnormal or diseased organisms or their parts

20. Anthrax is acute (of abrupt onset, of short duration, rapidly progressing & in need of urgent care) People can’t become immune to anthrax Can get anthrax multiple times

21. What parts of the body are affected? In cutaneous anthrax: Skin, surrounding tissues & lymph glands In gastrointestinal anthrax: Digestive system, neck & lymph glands In inhalation anthrax: Respiratory & immune system

23. Treatmenst Anthrax vaccine Avoiding contact w/ animals Don’t eat improperly slaughtered/cooked meat

24. Further treatment Prevention after exposure: Antibiotic & vaccine combo Treatment after infection: 60 day course of antibiotics Success depends on type of anthrax & how soon treatment was started Anthrax is terminal if left untreated