Enzootic disease - endemic to a population of animals (occurrences changes little over time)
Affect mainly domestic herbivores - sheeps, goats, and horses
Transmitted to human by contaminated dust or infected animal products.
Infection usually started by subcutaneous inoculation of spores.
Less frequently, by inhalation.
Antiphagocytic - essential for full virulence
Polymer of D-glutamic acid - not immunogenic by itself
Antigenic - stimulate antibodies.
Causes elevation of intracellular cAMP
Causes severe oedema
95% of human cases.
20% mortality if untreated.
Introduction of spore
-> papule
-> painless black severely swollen "malignant pustule"
-> (in some cases) invasion of regional lymph nodes
-> (in some cases) invasion of general circulation (fetal septicaemia)
Inhalation of spores.
Progressive haemorrhagic lymphadenitis
Almost 100% mortality if untreated.
Ingestion of spores.
Occurs most often in animals.
Blunt-ended bacilli.
Spores are oval and centrally located.
Colonies on blood agar: large, grayish, non-hemolytic, irregular border.
Extreme caution due to aerosol transmission.
Direct immunofluorescence assay can help in identification.
First line: penicillin G, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin
Effective in cutaneous anthrax only when used early.
Autoclaving is the most reliable means of decontamination due to resistance of the spores.
Cell-free vaccine is also available.
Things to revise/add later:
Bibliography: LWW microbiology
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