ANTHRAX

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Causative Agent(s)

Bacillus anthracis

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming B. anthracis in wild and domestic herbivores like cattle, sheep, goat etc. It can be seen in people exposed to the tissues from infected animals, to contaminated animal products, or directly to B. anthracis spores under certain conditions. The clinical course can range from per acute to chronic. Clinical signs in per acute disease in cattle, sheep and goat include staggering, trembling, subcutaneous swellings around the head and throat, breathing difficulty, convulsion, and death. Usually, animals are found dead without premonitory signs. Dead animals are bloated without rigor mortis, and discharge of unclotted blood from the orifices. Anthrax has been reported virtually in all continents and most common in agricultural regions with neutral to alkaline soil.

Diagnostic Considerations

Diagnosis based on clinical signs may be difficult. Samples to be collected are peripheral blood and blood oozing from the orifices. Bacterial culture and isolation, fluorescent antibody stain, PCR tests and ELISA should be done.

Management and Treatment

Rarely possible. However, high doses of crystalline penicillin G administered in early case is effective. Other antibiotics used are amoxicillin, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, streptomycin, and sulphonamides.

Crystalline penicillin G 20,000 – 25, 0000 IU/ kg IV on day one, followed by procaine penicillin G 15,000 – 20,000 IU/kg IM daily x 6/7

Control

Anthrax is OIE List A and reportable disease. Vaccination against anthrax using anthrax spore vaccine is very effective. Other control measures include rapid detection and reporting, quarantine, and post exposure prophylaxis, and burning or burial of suspected or confirmed cases.