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Inhalation Anthrax Bacteria Respiratory system

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Inhalation anthrax

Alternative Names: Anthrax - inhalation Symptoms: Initial stage -- fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, malaise, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain Second stage -- fever, severe shortness of breath, and shock This list of symptoms is based on a relatively small number of people who have had inhalation anthrax. Additional symptoms may be present. Some of the symptoms listed may be absent. Signs and tests: If inhalation anthrax is suspected, a chest X-ray, blood cultures, and sputum cultures may be obtained. Initial chest X-rays are likely to show abnormalities such as fluid surrounding the lungs or abnormally wide space between the lungs. Samples may need to be sent to a special lab for more definitive testing, including PCR, immunoflourescence, and immunohistochemistry. A spinal tap for CSF culture and a gram stain also may be performed. References: Text Continues Below 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.160;2002;287:2236-2252.

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