Cutaneous anthrax is an infection of the skin due to direct contact with the bacteria Bacillus anthracis.
Alternative NamesAnthrax - skin
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsAnthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. While anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep and goats, humans may get sick from anthrax, too. The most common type of anthrax infection in people is cutaneous anthrax, an infection of the skin.
The main risk factor for getting cutaneous anthrax is contact with animal hides or hair, bone products, and wool, as well as contact with infected animals. Therefore, those most at risk for anthrax include farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers.
Cutaneous anthrax occurs after the bacteria touch a cut or scrape on the skin.
Anthrax is a potential agent for use as a biological weapon or for bioterrorism. In 2001, bioterrorist activities involving the United States Postal Service infected 22 people with anthrax. Seven survivors had confirmed cases of cutaneous anthrax. Most bioterrorism experts have concluded that it is technologically difficult to use anthrax effectively as a weapon on a large scale.
SymptomsBetween 1 and 12 days after exposure, an itchy sore develops, similar to an insect bite. This sore may blister and form a black ulcer (sore), which is usually painless. It is usually surrounded by significant swelling. A scab often develops, and then dries and falls off within 2 weeks, although complete healing can take longer.
Some patients also have painful lymph nodes, fever, headache, and a general ill-feeling (malaise).
Signs and testsA culture of the skin lesions should be done to identify the bacteria that cause anthrax.
TreatmentCutaneous anthrax is treated with antibiotics, most often doxycycline or ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin has been the antibiotic of choice during a suspected anthrax outbreak.
Because anthrax spores may take up to 60 days to grow, the length of treatment is usually 60 days.
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook is excellent when anthrax is treated. Death is extremely rare when antibiotics are promptly given.
ComplicationsIn some cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream, leading to shockand death.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you know you have been exposed to anthrax, or if you develop a skin lesion as described above.
PreventionFor individuals who have been truly exposed to anthrax (but have no signs and symptoms of the disease), preventive antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, penicillin, or doxycycline may be offered, depending on the particular strain of anthrax.
Cutaneous anthrax is not known to spread from person to person. Household contacts of individuals with cutaneous anthrax do not need antibiotics unless they have also been exposed to the same source of anthrax.
An anthrax vaccine is available to selected military personnel, but not to the general public.
ReferencesInglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA. 2002;287:2236-2252.
Lucey DR. Anthrax. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 317.
Reissman DB, Whitney EA, Taylor TH Jr, et al. One-Year Health Assessment of Adult Survivors of Bacillus anthracis Infection. JAMA. 2004;291:1994-1998.
Anthrax. It affects humans and animals and usually occurs through contact with contaminated animals or their products. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions.
Cyst, fissure, macule, papule, polyp, pustule, ulcer, vesicle, and wheal.
one of the form of anthrax its cutaneous form.
Bacterial agents can cause skin lesions through infection or inflammation. These lesions can present as redness, swelling, pus-filled bumps, or ulcers depending on the type of bacteria. Seeking medical attention is important to properly diagnose and treat the skin condition caused by bacterial agents.
Yes, the skin lesions of chickenpox are the most specific sign of the infection.
If the cause of the lesions is an allergic reaction, removing the allergen from the patient's environment is the most effective treatment. Topical preparations can also be used to clean and protect irritated skin as well as to remove dead skin
Infections of body's entire system can cause the sudden onset of skin lesions. For example, skin lesions are a hallmark symptom of such diseases as chicken pox, herpes, and small pox.
Laser surgery is now applied to a variety of skin lesions, ranging from spider veins to more extensive blood vessel lesions called hemangiomas.
lesions
lesions
Acne, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), warts, and scabies are examples of skin infections that cause lesions.
Changes in the skin, called lesions, are at first flat and red.