Anthrax is a serious disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthraciswhich can cause infection when people come into direct contact with objects or animals contaminated by the bacteria, when they eat meat from contaminated animals, or when they inhale spores from this bacteria present in the environment.
Infection with this bacteria is quite severe and may compromise the functioning of the intestines and lungs, which may lead to coma and death within a few days after infection. Due to its toxic action, anthrax can be used as a biological weapon, having already been spread through cards and objects as a form of terrorism.
Thus, in suspicion of contact with the bacteria, it is indicated that the person be sent quickly to the hospital to confirm the diagnosis and the treatment begins, which is usually done with antibiotics and medicines to neutralize toxin action.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of anthrax are:
- Appearance of red-acastly lumps and bubbles on the skin;
- Dark skin ulcers that cause pain;
- Swelling at the lumps and ulcers site;
- Muscle pain;
- Headache;
- Fever;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Abdominal pain.
Anthrax symptoms may vary according to the form of transmission, the person’s immune system and the amount of spores that the person has contacted. Signs and symptoms of infection may begin to appear about 12 hours to 5 days after exposure to bacteria.
In some cases, bacteria spores may be in the lungs and compromise breathing, and may also reach the bloodstream more easily and may lead to coma or death within 6 days after infection.
If the bacteria reaches the brain, after reaching blood circulation, it can cause very severe brain infection and meningitis, which is almost always fatal. Moreover, all these manifestations are very serious and if they are not quickly identified and treated, they can lead to death.
How the transmission happens
The infection by Bacillus anthracis It can happen through contact with objects or animals contaminated with bacteria spores, which are most often cows, goats and sheep. When the infection occurs through contact with spores and leads to the appearance of symptoms on the skin, the infection can be easily transmitted from person to person.
Other forms of disease transmission is by ingestion of meat or derivatives of contaminated animals and through the inhalation of spores. These two forms of transmission are not transmitted from person to people, however they are considered more serious, as bacteria can more easily reach the bloodstream, spread to other locations in the body and cause more severe symptoms.
How treatment is done
Anthrax infection is treated with the use of antibiotics that should be used according to the guidance of the infectologist and/ or general practitioner. In addition, medications may be recommended to neutralize the action of toxin produced and released by the bacteria, thus avoiding the development of the disease and relieving symptoms.
The anthrax vaccine is not available for the entire population, only to people who have the most chance of exposure to the bacteria, such as military and scientists, for example.
ANTRAZ Prevention
Since the spores in this bacteria are not present in the environment, only in warfare laboratories for the necessary warfare, the anthrax vaccine is available only to people considered to be the risk group, such as military personnel, scientists, laboratory technicians, staff of textile companies and veterinarians.
As bacteria can also be found in the digestive system or animal hair, a way to prevent infection is through animal health control, thus reducing the presence of bacteria in the environment.
In the case of the use of Bacillus anthracis As a form of bioterrorism, the best strategy to prevent infection and development of the disease is vaccination and the use of antibiotics indicated for about 60 days.
Source: www.tuasaude.com