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antibiotics
antibiotics
Yes, anthrax can be treated with antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. Treatment is most effective when started early, before the bacteria release toxins that can cause severe symptoms. Inhaled anthrax, the most serious form, requires aggressive treatment in a hospital setting.
Ciprofloxacin and doxycycline are both effective antibiotics for treating anthrax.
nope. there's an 80 percent fatality rate. if you have it i feel sorry for you.
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. When anthrax spores enter the body, they can cause severe illness by producing toxins that can damage cells and tissues. Symptoms of anthrax can vary depending on how the infection enters the body but can include fever, malaise, cough, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases of anthrax can be fatal if not promptly treated with antibiotics.
At early stages yes, with high doses of penicillin or other antibiotics. But if you wait to long its too late.
It is a bacteria and the infection can be treated with large doses of intravenous and oral antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, erythromycin, vancomycin or penicillin.
Nursing interventions for anthrax involve administration of appropriate antibiotics, monitoring for signs of infection, providing supportive care such as IV fluids and oxygen therapy, and educating patients about the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics. In addition, infection control measures should be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease to other individuals.
The most common form of anthrax infection in humans is cutaneous anthrax, which occurs when the bacterium enters the body through a cut or abrasion in the skin. This typically results in a skin lesion that can progress to ulceration with associated swelling and pain.
For animals, there is no cure. 99% cases of anthrax are caught too late. There is a vaccine, however, for livestock in areas where anthrax is prominent. It is a nonencapsulated spore vaccine that offers almost 100% protection after two weeks. But once an animal has got anthrax, often it is too late. In humans, there is a cure available, but mostly in the form of penicillins.
DefinitionAnthrax is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, or the lungs.See also: Inhaltion anthraxAlternative NamesWoolsorter's disease; Ragpicker's disease; Cutaneous anthrax; Gastrointestinal anthraxCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAnthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep and goats, but humans who come into contact with the infected animals can get sick from anthrax, too. In the past, the people who were most at risk for anthrax included farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers.There are three main routes of anthrax infection:Cutaneous anthrax occurs when anthrax touches a cut or scrape on the skin.Inhalation anthrax develops when anthrax spores enter the lungs through the respiratory tract.Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when someone eats anthrax-tainted meat.Anthrax may be used as a biological weapon or for bioterrorism. In 2001, anthrax sent through the U.S. Postal Service infected 22 people; 7 survivors had confirmed cutaneous anthrax disease.While at least 17 nations are believed to have a biological weapons program, it is unknown how many nations or groups are working with anthrax. Most bioterrorism experts have concluded that it is difficult to use anthrax effectively as a weapon on a large scale.SymptomsSymptoms of anthrax differ depending on the type of anthrax.Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax:Blister or ulcer that later forms a black scabBlister or ulcer is usually surrounded by a lot of swellingSymptoms of inhalation anthrax:Begins with fever, malaise, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and chest painShock may occur laterSymptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax usually develop within one week and can affect the mouth, esophagus, intestines, and colon. Symptoms may include:Nausea and vomiting (the vomit may include blood)AnemiaBloody diarrheaSigns and testsThe tests to diagnose anthrax depend on the type of disease suspected.Tests may include:Culture of skin sore to test for cutaneous anthraxChest x-raySputum cultureSpinal tap to check your spinal fluid for infection (See:CSF culture)Gram stain (staining a sample of tissue and looking at it under a microscope for the bacteria that cause anthrax infection)Tissue or fluid samples may be sent to a special lab for more detailed testing, including immunofluorescence.TreatmentMost people with anthrax are treated with antibiotics. Several antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin.When treating inhalational anthrax, a combination of antibiotics should be used. Doctors often start treatment ciprofloxacin plus another drug, given through a vein (intravenously).Cutaneous anthrax is treated with antibiotics taken by mouth, usually for 7 to 10 days.The length of treatment for inhalation anthrax 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.Gastrointestinal anthrax infection can spread to the bloodstream, and may result in death.ComplicationsCutaneous anthrax:Spread of infection into the bloodstreamInhalational anthrax:Hemorrhagic meningitisSwelling of lymph nodes in the chest (mediastinal adenopathy)Fluid buildup in the chest (pleural effusion)ShockDeathGastrointestinal anthraxSevere bleeding (hemorrhage)ShockDeathCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have been exposed to anthrax, or if you develop symptoms of any type of anthrax.PreventionThere are two main ways to prevent anthrax.For people who have been exposed to anthrax (but have no symptoms of the disease), doctors may prescribe preventive antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, penicillin, or doxycycline, depending on the strain of anthrax.An anthrax vaccine is available to certain military personnel, but not to the general public. It is given in a series of six doses over 18 months. There is no known way to spread cutaneous anthrax from person to person. People who live with someone who has cutaneous anthrax do not need antibiotics unless they have also been exposed to the same source of anthrax.ReferencesInglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA.160;2002;287:2236-2252.Lucey DR, Anthrax. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 317.