Title: Anthrax: an overview

Authors: A. Akula, J.P. Gomedhikam, M.K. Kota, V.B. Bodhanapu, M. Kalagara, B.P. Kota

Addresses: Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, India. ' Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, India. ' Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, India. ' Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, India. ' Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, India. ' Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, India

Abstract: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that occurs in domesticated and wild animals. Humans become infected by contact with infected animals or contaminated products, but there are no cases of human-to-human transmission. Under natural circumstances, infection occurs by the cutaneous route and extremely rarely, by the inhalational or gastrointestinal routes. Cutaneous anthrax, the most common form is usually curable. A small percentage of cutaneous infections become systemic, and these can be fatal. An aerosol exposure to spores causes inhalational anthrax. This form of disease begins with non-specific symptoms followed in two to three days by the sudden onset of respiratory distress with dyspnea, cyanosis, and stidor. It is rapidly fatal. Treatment consists of massive doses of antibiotics and supportive care. Post exposure antibiotic prophylaxis is effective in experimental animals and should be instituted as soon as possible after exposure. A licensed nonliving vaccine is available for human use.

Keywords: bacillus anthracis; cutaneous anthrax; inhalational anthrax; gastrointestinal anthrax; biological warfare agent; post exposure antibiotic prophylaxis; nonliving vaccine; risk assessment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2005.006611

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2005 Vol.5 No.1, pp.76 - 94

Published online: 28 Mar 2005 *

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