Anthrax Research Paper

Bacillus anthracis This article came from the New England Journal of Medicine and was written after, the Anthrax scare so that Physicians would have a better understanding of the origin, signs/symptoms and treatment of the bacterial infection B. anthracis. This is a gram positive bacteria which is found in soil and/or water where it can lie dormant until contact with host. Portal of entry can be from a cut, inhaled, ingested or a biological vector. An open wound is always susceptible to infection. Being in an environment where there is potential for endospores can lead to open lesions and necrosis of surrounding skin. Livestock, feed lots, and processing plants of animals and feed, are the areas of most concern and the source of the infection.
The bacteria is then released into lymphatic system where it multiples and goes into blood stream. At this point exotoxins attack cells in response causing edema, septicemia shock and eventually if untreated, death. Whatever the cause of anthrax, being able to recognize the sign and symptoms as early as possible, is the key to survival. Sometimes it is only days after first symptoms when death occurs. Signs/symptoms range from necrosis in cutaneous infection, to malaise, shock, edema, delirium, or flu like symptoms. In table (1) it gives a list of different diseases which present themselves similar to B. anthracis. There are several way to test for anthrax, including cultures, blood, and PCR’s. In order to be sure, a sample must be taken from the patient before antibiotics are given. Patients who survive, are given six plus week’s treatments of antibiotics. Although anthrax is rare, and not often seen in hospitals, it ability to do so much damage in such little time makes some feel a sense of urgency. This prompted the development of a vaccine for those who work in environment which could come into contact with the