Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a rod-shaped, spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. These are found in soil and affect both wild and domestic animals. If someone comes in contact with infected animals, they can contract anthrax. It is a life-threatening disease that can affect both animals and humans. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can keep symptoms at bay. Keep reading to learn more about anthrax, its symptoms, and remedies.

Types of anthrax

• Cutaneous– This occurs when bacteria infect the body through a wound in the skin. It is one of the most common and least harmful forms. People who handle animal wool, hair, or hides are at a high risk of contracting this disease.
• Gastrointestinal– This type of anthrax affects people who eat raw meat from an infected animal. The bacteria invade the throat, stomach, and esophagus and reach the intestines.
• Inhalation– People who inhale spores of anthrax bacteria can develop this condition. It can cause severe breathing difficulties, severe lung issues, and shock. It is also called Woolsorter’s disease and mainly affects wool mill workers, who are at risk of inhaling spores from affected animals.

Symptoms of anthrax
The warning signs of anthrax depend on the type of infection and can appear either one day after infection or take months to show up. If left untreated, this disease has the potential to spread throughout the body and lead to severe and life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax

• A group of itchy bumps or tiny blisters
• Swelling around the sore area
• An ulcer with a black center appears after the blisters

Symptoms of inhalation anthrax

• Fever
• Cough
• Chest discomfort
• Headache, body aches, stomach pain
• Extreme fatigue and dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and sweats

Symptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Hoarseness
• Nausea
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling of the neck
• Headache and fainting
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Flushing and red eyes
• Diarrhea with blood in stool

Causes of anthrax
As mentioned earlier, spores formed by anthrax bacteria are found naturally in soil. These can remain inactive for years until they enter a host. Anthrax bacteria are found in wild or domestic livestock like cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Human beings can catch this disease when they come into contact with infected animals. People are more at risk of contracting this condition if they-

• Handle animal skins, furs, or wool.
• Work with anthrax in a laboratory setting
• Work in veterinary medicine
• Work in an area with a high risk of exposure to anthrax

Besides these, farmers and livestock handlers, drum makers using animal hides, and people working in wool mills, slaughterhouses, and tanneries are at an increased risk of contracting this infection.

Diagnosis
The confirmatory tests that are used to diagnose anthrax are mentioned below.

Chest X-ray or CT scan
The healthcare provider may suggest an X-ray or CT scan to diagnose inhalation anthrax. The imaging test looks for mediastinal widening or pleural effusion, which are the cardinal signs of the infection.

Skin biopsy
This swab test checks for signs of cutaneous anthrax. Fluid from a suspicious skin lesion or a tissue sample from it is examined in the lab for the presence of Bacillus anthracis.

Blood test
It checks for the presence of Bacillus anthracis bacteria in the blood sample.

Stool test
A sample of the patient’s stool is tested for Bacillus anthracis to confirm gastrointestinal anthrax.

Testing spinal fluid
In this test, the doctor will draw a small amount of fluid from the spinal canal by inserting a needle. A spinal tap is done to check the presence of anthrax bacteria in the fluid.

Treatment
The main treatment methods healthcare practitioners employ to treat anthrax Patients include prescription remedies like antitoxins and antibiotics. In case of a severe infection, the patient must be hospitalized and administered continuous fluid drainage and ventilator support for breathing. Early management helps facilitate recovery in a patient. Therefore, it is important to watch out for the warning signs of the condition and seek a health expert’s intervention as and when needed.

People from certain professions or those who travel to countries with an anthrax outbreak are at risk of bacterial exposure. This severe illness mainly affects farm animals like sheep and cows. However, the disease is not contagious, so one carrier cannot spread it to others. A patient experiencing any symptoms of anthrax must immediately consult a doctor and get themselves checked. A health expert will suggest some tests to check for the presence of bacteria and suggest a treatment plan accordingly.