anthrax (gastrointestinal)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Usually a lethal disease due to the ingestion of Bacillus anthracis or its spores.
Ingestion or oral route anthrax presents in two forms:
- oropharyngeal -
- lesions are localized in the buccal cavity or on the tongue, tonsils or posterior pharyngeal wallearly clinical features include sore throat, dysphagia and regional lymphadenopathy
- tracheotomy may be necessary
- gastrointestinal, -
- lesion can occur anywhere in the alimentary tract (mostly in the ileum and caecum)
- initially the symptoms are nonspecific and include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, mild diarrhea and fever. occasionally these may progress into haematemesis, bloody diarrrhoea and massive ascites
Bacteraemia may develop 2-3 days after onset. Usually fatal if it progresses to bacteraemia. Fortunately, it is now very rare.
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