More facts about the three types of Anthrax are described underneath:

1) Cutaneous ("skin") anthrax The most commonly , naturally occurring type.

Mode of transmission : The bacterium enters the body via a break (cut or abrasion) on the skin.

Incubation period : Usually an immediate response up to 1 day. As a result of handling contaminated animal products - such as meat, wool or hides.

Appearance : Begins as a small bump , progresses to a larger blister in 1-2 days,followed by a black scab called an eschar.

Fatality : About 5% to 20% of untreated cases can result in death, but death is rare if given antibiotic therapy.

Treatment options : Obtain specimens for culture BEFORE initiating antimicrobial therapy.

Do NOT use extended-spectrum cephalosporins or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole because anthrax may be resistant to these drugs.

Precautions : Standard contact precautions. Avoid direct contact with wound or wound drainage.

2) Gastrointestinal ("stomach") anthrax
A very rare disease-no documented cases in the U.S in the 20th century

Mode of transmission : Can occur when eating raw or uncooked contaminated meat.

Incubation period : Usually 1-7 days.

Appearance : Initial signs are nausea ,loss of appetite, vomiting and fever followed by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever-followed by severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, severe diarrhea.

Fatality : Death results in 25% to 60% of cases.

Treatment options : Obtain specimens appropriate to system affected:

blood (essential)

ascitic fluid

Obtain specimens for culture BEFORE initiating antimicrobial therapy. Early (during initial phase) antimicrobial therapy is critical. Do NOT use extended-spectrum cephalosporins or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole because anthrax may be resistant to these drugs.

Precautions : Standard contact precautions.

3) Inhalational anthrax

Mode of transmission : When inhaling as few as 5000-6000 anthrax spores-perhaps in a single deep breath.

Incubation period : Usually <1 week; may be prolonged for weeks (up to 2 months)

Appearance : Initial symptoms may develop in 1-6 days, and resemble the common cold or flu: sore throat, mild fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Mild symptoms can progress very rapidly after a few days to severe breathing problems and shock-if left untreated.

Fatality : Death rate exceeds 99%. Once severe symptoms develop, 45% to 80% of patients could die.

Treatment options : Obtain specimens appropriate to system affected:

blood (essential)
pleural fluid
cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
skin lesion

Obtain specimens for culture BEFORE initiating antimicrobial therapy. Initiate antimicrobial therapy immediately upon suspicion.Do NOT use extended-spectrum cephalosporins or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole because anthrax may be resistant to these drugs. Supportive care including controlling pleural effusions

Precautions : Standard contact precautions