Cutaneous anthrax

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Cutaneous anthrax

Cutaneous anthrax

Definition:

Cutaneous anthrax is an infection of the skin caused by direct contact with the bacteria Bacillus anthracis.

Alternative Names:
Anthrax - skin
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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Anthrax 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 iscutaneous anthrax, an infection of the skin. Cutaneous infections account for 95% of all anthrax cases worldwide.

Cutaneous anthraxoccurs after the bacteria touches a cut or scrape on the skin.After abouttwo weeks, an itchy sore develops, similar to an insect bite. Thissore may blister and form a black ulcer, which is usually painless. It is usually surrounded by significant swelling. A scar often develops,and then dries and falls off within two weeks. Some patients havepainful lymph nodes.

Insome cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream and become fatal. However, death is extremely rare in the majority of individuals who receiveprompt, appropriate treatment.

Historically, the main risk factor for acquiring 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.

Anthrax is a potential agent for use as a biological weapon or for bio-terrorism. In 2001, bioterrorist activities involving the U.S. Postal Service infected22 people with anthrax; 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 bio-terrorism experts have concluded that it is technologically difficult to use anthrax effectively as a weapon on a large scale.

References:

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.

Inglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA.2002;287:2236-2252.