Anthrax Health Article

Signs and tests

The tests to diagnose anthrax depend on the type of disease suspected.

• If cutaneous anthrax is suspected, you may have a culture of the skin sore to test for the bacteria that causes anthrax.
• If inhalational anthrax is suspected, you may need a chest x-ray, blood cultures, sputum cultures, spinal tap for CSF culture, or gram stain. Samples may be sent to a special lab for more testing, including PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry.

Treatment

Most people with anthrax are treated with antibiotic therapy. Several antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

When treating inhalation anthrax, a combination of antibiotics should be used. Doctors often start treatment with an intravenous form of Cipro plus another drug.

Cutaneous anthrax is treated with pill (oral) antibiotics.

The length of treatment is currently about 60 days, since it may take anthrax spores that long to grow.

In the event of a bioterrorist attack, the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile is available to help provide antibiotics should a shortage occur.

Expectations (prognosis)

When treated with antibiotics, cutaneous anthrax is likely to get better. However, up to 20% of people who do not get treatment may die due to anthrax-related blood infections.

People with second-stage inhalation anthrax have a poor outlook, even with antibiotic therapy. Up to 90% of cases in the second stage are fatal.

The prognosis of gastrointestinal anthrax is also poor. A high number of people die from this form of the disease.

Complications

• Cutaneous anthrax: Spread of infection into the bloodstream
• Inhalational anthrax: Hemorrhagic meningitis, mediastinitis, shock, and death
• Gastrointestinal anthrax: Hemorrhage, shock, and death

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have been exposed to anthrax, or if you develop symptoms of any type of anthrax.