Anthrax Disease

Anthrax Disease

Anthrax, which is currently being used in biological warfare, is not as frightening as it seems. It is not difficult to treat, and it has been present in our country for a long time, although it is not widespread.

Causes

Anthrax was proven by Robert Koch in 1887 to be caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which is rod-shaped. The bacteria can produce spores in liquid food. The spores are round, transparent chambers within the cell. Spores can survive in soil for 20-25 years. In dry conditions, they can withstand temperatures of 140°C (284°F) for 1-3 hours. However, if there is moisture, such as in boiling water, they can only withstand 100°C (212°F), which is the boiling point of water, for only 5-30 minutes. This bacterium is found in soil and is immobile. It prefers to stick together in long chains. Outbreaks often occur in animals, and the infection can be severe enough to cause death. However, it can also be transmitted to humans.

Transmission

The common modes of transmission in humans include skin infections, through the digestive system, and in the lungs. Anthrax bacteria can be found worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Anthrax affects nearly all species of animals, but it is more commonly found in warm-blooded mammals, such as cows, buffalo, horses, deer, elk, goats, sheep, carnivorous animals, and some bird species. The disease can be transmitted to humans when they come into contact with infected animals, which carry the bacteria in various parts of their body, including fur, flesh, blood, and bones. Humans can contract the infection through skin wounds, the respiratory system, or the digestive system. Skin infections usually occur when there is direct contact with infected animals. Respiratory infections are less common in Thailand but can occur in industries related to animal transportation and processing, where the bacteria may be present in fur and hair, and spread through the air. Ingesting contaminated meat that has not been properly cooked can lead to infection through the digestive system.

Symptoms

Clinical symptoms

1. Cutaneous anthrax, as found in Thailand, often has a history of contact with the carcasses of dead cows or buffaloes without knowing the cause. Approximately 2-3 days later, red bumps appear at the point of contact, such as on the hands or fingers. The bumps are itchy but not painful, and within 12-48 hours, they swell into clear fluid-filled blisters, which then turn into pus-filled blisters. The center breaks open, and a deep, round ulcer forms, resembling the base of a mortar, with distinct raised edges. The wound turns brown and eventually black, resembling a coal ember, hence the name anthrax, which is derived from the word for coal. All of this occurs around the fifth day after the appearance of the red bumps. Lesions can be found on the fingers, around the eyes, neck, arms, and legs. Patients may experience fever, headache, and fatigue. In severe cases, the inflammation may spread to the lymph nodes and enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, shock, and even death.

2. Respiratory anthrax presents with high fever, difficulty breathing, restlessness, sore throat, chest pain, swollen tongue, cyanosis, bloody cough, low blood pressure, shock, and ultimately death. Respiratory infections are more severe and progress faster than other forms, so urgent treatment is required. Key symptoms include rapid onset, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

3. Gastrointestinal anthrax often has a history of consuming raw or undercooked meat, such as in soups or salads, and presents with sudden, severe abdominal pain, explosive diarrhea resembling cholera, and possibly large amounts of fresh blood in the stool

Complications and Treatment

Other complications may include infections in the bloodstream, leading to high fever and shock. There may also be infections in the meninges, causing neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, restlessness, and delirium, eventually leading to unconsciousness. Diagnosis of the disease is not difficult and can be made from the patient's history of contact with animals or exposure to real anthrax powder in letters from terrorists like Bin Laden. Physical examination reveals the aforementioned symptoms, and the presence of the bacteria can be detected in sputum, skin, or blood cultures.

Fortunately, treatment is not difficult, and there are several effective drugs available, including penicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol. If penicillin is used, it is often administered as an injection into the bloodstream. Since treatment is not difficult, there is no need to be overly concerned, and gram-positive bacteria like anthrax are generally not highly drug-resistant. Previously, people died due to the lack of effective treatment, but now there are many good treatment options available.

Prevention

Prevention can be achieved through public health education, avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, such as in waterfall-style dishes or spicy salads. Boiling for approximately half an hour can effectively destroy spores. If an animal dies without a known cause, notify the relevant authorities for an investigation. If you find powder in an envelope, report it to the Ministry of Public Health. If you are aware of the disease and receive prompt treatment, it is generally safe. Vaccination may be administered to animals, and in humans, it is usually given to those who work with animals or, in the future, possibly postal workers. For those who have come into contact with the disease, monitor symptoms for about 7 days, as the incubation period does not exceed 7 days. If this period passes without any symptoms, you can be reassured, and if you fall ill within this time, seek prompt treatment.

Conclusion

Anthrax is a disease worth knowing about but not necessarily fearing for those in our country. Most importantly, as we are not enemies with anyone, it is unlikely that anyone will target us. We hope you have gained valuable knowledge from this information.

With best wishes from Vibhavadi Hospital.

Source: Thaiclinic.com