What Is Anthrax?

Anthrax is a zoonotic (animal borne) disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The disease most commonly occurs in wild and domestic mammals (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelope, and other herbivores). Anthrax occurs in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue from infected animals or when they are directly exposed to B. anthracis. Depending on the route of infection, anthrax disease can occur in three forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalation.

Types of Disease
The symptoms and incubation period of human anthrax vary depending on the route of transmission of the disease. In general, symptoms usually begin within 7 days of exposure and is fatal without treatment anywhere from 1-43 days from exposure. There are three types of the disease that can develop from exposure, all of which are fatal-

1) Cutaneous Disease (Skin Disease)
2) Gastrointestinal Disease
3) Inhalation Disease

What type of Antibiotic is used for treating Anthrax?

The Food and Drug Administration approved an antimicrobial Cipro® (ciprofloxacin) for use in individuals who have been exposed to inhaled anthrax. Cipro® is approved to reduce the incidence or progression of inhalation anthrax following exposure to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax.

Return To The Main Articles Page