Cutaneous Anthrax

Cutaneous anthrax (malignant pustule) is caused by Bacillus anthracis, mainly in herdsmen and workers handling hides, meat, or animal products. It features a typical dark-red vesicle with marked surrounding swelling and severe systemic symptoms; anthrax bacilli are found in smears and cultures.

Common Symptoms

Papulomacular rash; pustule; septicemia; blood blister; rapid pulse; toe skin blackening; meningitis

Causes and Pathogenesis

B. anthracis is a Gram-positive, large, aerobic, encapsulated bacillus that survives decades in dry pastures/soil/hides; ordinary disinfectants are ineffective; spores require 100°C moist heat for 10 min or 100°C dry heat for 3 h. In vitro it forms long bamboo-like chains; in vivo it is single/pairs/short chains. No exo/endotoxin is seen in vitro, but in vivo it produces an antiphagocytic toxin causing intracutaneous edema and fatal intravenous toxicity. Pathogenesis: The antiphagocytic toxin produced in vivo is the key virulence factor.

Treatment

Drug therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Strengthen livestock quarantine; thoroughly disinfect sick animals and animal products before processing; health education and protective equipment for animal husbandry/meat/hide workers; anthrax vaccine: initial 0.5 ml, booster at 6 weeks or 6 months, then annually.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.