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| Anthrax Infection and Vaccination |
| Anthrax Infection: |
Anthrax infection is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus Anthracis.
It most commonly occurs in warm-blooded animals (livestock) and can be transmitted to humans by contact with the infected animals or their products.
The spores resist destruction, remaining viable in soil and animal products for decades.
Symptoms of infection vary depending on how it is contracted (cutaneous, intestinal, inhaled).
Signs of infection usually occur within seven days of infection.
It is diagnosed by isolating the bacteria from the blood, skin lesions, respiratory secretions, or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of suspected/infected cases.
Cutaneous anthrax begins as a red-brown papule that enlarges, ulcerates with exudation, and forms a black scar.
Intestinal infection of anthrax may follow consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by acute inflammation of the intestinal tract.
Initial symptoms of intestinal anthrax infection include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea.
Pulmonary anthrax follows rapid multiplication of spores in the lymph nodes.
Initial symptoms of inhalation anthrax infection resemble a common cold and flu, but may progress to severe breathing problems and shock.
Death may result within one to two days after onset of acute symptoms.
Risk of infection is higher in adverse conditions, such as presence of an acute respiratory infection or a tear/break in the pharyngeal or intestinal mucosa.
The risk of recurrence after survival remains for at least 60 days because of the possibility of delayed germination of spores.
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| History of Anthrax Vaccination: |
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Since March 1998, about 1 million doses of anthrax vaccine have been administered to approximately 520,000 service members.
Full vaccination against anthrax is said to occur after six doses are given over 18 months.
Yearly boosters are also required.
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| Side Effects of Anthrax Vaccine: |
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Widely reported side effects include extreme fatigue, headaches, muscular problems, insomnia, central nervous system complications, and auto-immune disease.
The vaccine should only be administered to healthy men and women from 18 to 65 years of age.
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| Current Status for Anthrax Vaccine: |
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Vaccination against anthrax for now is limited to the military.
Full protection requires several months of shots, and carries the risk of side effects, including death.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has blocked release of vaccine produced at the BioPort Corporation in Lansing, MI because of a series of problems, including contamination of lots of the vaccine and questions surrounding the quality assurance records.
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| Antibiotic Treatment: |
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Given the rapid development of inhalation anthrax, early antibiotic use is essential.
Usually penicillin is preferred, but erythromycin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol can also be used.
Antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones (Cipro) are known to have severe adverse side effects including chronic stomach problems, colitis, connective tissue and tendon damage, cartilage and joint damage, as well as central nervous system problems such as seizures and brain damage.
It is unlikely that fluoroquinolones will be approved for use in children or pregnant women.
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THE DECISION TO VACCINATE IS YOURS AND YOURS ALONE.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical or legal advice.
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