Anthrax in America 2001-2003.
Anthrax caused by Bacillus anthracis in humans is rare. Two recent outbreaks that were intentionally caused occurred among postal employees, politicians, and journalists in the United States. This has caused tremendous fear, and our experience with these "anthrax incidents" has changed our views on the natural history of this disease in people. In this paper, we review the lifecycle and biology of this micro-organism. Anthrax that occurs from a weaponized form of this micro-organism has a specific clinical presentation that requires a suspicion of anthrax exposure to be diagnosed. New methods of testing for anthrax have been developed and may simplify diagnosis in the future. The range of illness caused by B. anthracis from the molecular level to the clinical symptoms is discussed. We also review the diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis as well as treatment of this condition.
Joshi
Shivang G
SG
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, USA.
Cymet
Holly Berkovits
HB
Kerkvliet
Gary
G
Cymet
Tyler
T
D000881:Anthrax / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States; D014611:Vaccination