Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Cutaneous anthrax Cutaneous Anthrax Inhalation Anthrax Antibodies
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Anthrax
Alternative Names: Wool sorter's disease; Ragpicker's disease Treatment: The mainstay of treatment is early antibiotic therapy. Several antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin (Cipro).  Text Continues Below When treating inhalation anthrax, a combination of antibiotics should be used, often starting with an intravenous form of Cipro plus another agent. Cutaneous anthrax is treated with oral (pill-form) antibiotics. The length of treatment is currently about 60 days, since it may take spores that long to germinate. In the event of a bioterrorist attack, the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile is available to supplement and help provide antibiotics should a shortage occur. Expectations (prognosis): When treated with antibiotics, the prognosis of cutaneous anthrax is excellent. Untreated, however, up to 20% of individuals may die, due to anthrax-related blood infections.   Patients with second-stage inhalation anthrax have a poor outlook, even with antibiotic therapy. Up to 90% of cases in the second stage are fatal. The prognosis of gastrointestinal anthrax is also poor. A a high number of individuals die from this form of the disease. Complications: Cutaneous anthrax: Spread of infection into the bloodstream Inhalational anthrax: Hemorrhagic meningitis, mediastinitis, shock, and death Gastrointestinal anthrax: Hemorrhage, shock, and death Calling your health care provider: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>