The contributing factors and symptoms of anthrax

Anthrax and its Origins

Anthrax is a disease produced by the natural occurrence of bacteria that is carried through pores found all over the world and remains dominant in the soil for a period of time. Bacillus anthracis infections in the United States were mostly caused by the exposure of animals that had been exposed and contaminated (Smith, 2016). Since the 1970s, incidences of anthrax have been recorded sporadically, most notably the 2001 case of inhalational cutaneous anthrax. When humans come into contact with an infected animal, particularly cattle or sheep, they become infected with anthrax (Smith, 2016). This type of illness is known as cutaneous anthrax, and it is usually associated with painful sores. However, cutaneous anthrax can only cause like 20% deaths when left untreated. A rare infection known as gastrointestinal anthrax affects humans when they eat infected animals. Anthrax was believed to have originated in Mesopotamia and Egypt (Smith, 2016). Most scholars knew that in Moses’ time when the ten plagues were taking place in Egypt, anthrax was believed to have been part of it causing what was known as the fifth plague because it mostly affected sheep, cattle, horses, oxen, and camels (Smith, 2016). Rome and Ancient Greece were also acquainted with anthrax as most of their ancient writings had clear indications of its occurrence.

The Contributing Factors and Symptoms of Anthrax

In most cases, the disease is usually contributed when human beings acquire the illness either indirectly or directly from occupational exposure to contaminated animal or indirectly and directly from infected animals (Casem, 2013). The deadliest form, however, involves breathing in the anthrax spores which is known to have 85 percent fatality rate. For pulmonary anthrax to take place, there must be very high concentrated portions that have been inhaled to pass through the human mucous membranes. The moment anthrax is inside the human body, the bacteria multiplies after a few days to produces toxins (Casem, 2013). Later, the victims start to have flu-like symptoms like aching muscles and sore throat as well as nausea and shortness of breath. The symptoms then progress to fevers, severe bleeding coughs and inflammation of the brain leading to dark swellings along the neck and chest. Nevertheless, once the infection sets in, vaccination with antibiotics is never effective.

Diagnostic Tests

The doctor will first rule out the conditions that are commonly known to cause signs and symptoms of the flu and pneumonia. A rapid flu test may have to be conducted so as to diagnose if a person has a case of influenza quickly. If the tests performed are negative, more tests will be done on the individual to check for anthrax (Enserink, 2010). These tests include skin testing which is done by taking a fluid sample from a wound that is suspicious on the skin, or a biopsy might be done in a lab for any warnings of cutaneous anthrax. The second one is a blood test whereby a small amount of blood is taken and tested in the lab for anthrax bacteria. The third test is a chest X-ray or a CT scan (computerized tomography) which is done at the request of the doctor to check for anthrax inhalation (Enserink, 2010). A stool test is also conducted to diagnose for gastrointestinal anthrax by checking the stool for anthrax bacteria. The last test is the spinal tap which is referred to as lumbar puncture which involves a needle being placed into the spinal canal of a patient to draw out a small amount of fluid by the doctor and this explicitly done to make a diagnosis of anthrax meningitis.

Advanced Practice Nursing Role and Management Strategies

The events of 2001 involving anthrax have clearly shown that the release of a biological agent as a tool of terrorism is a significant public health emergency which demands a response that is immediate and well-coordinated (Guarner & Rio, 2010). The only way in which emergency responders and healthcare professionals will be able to manage such attacks there needs to be an exceptional cooperative effort between national, state, and local levels. In order to support initiatives such as this, the advanced practice public health nurses must employ their capability in collaborating with a variety of development and communities (Guarner & Rio, 2010). The advanced practice public health nurses can be trained so that they are able to handle bioterrorism effectively.

Pharmacological Management

The CDC has provided leadership that tackles the medical and epidemiological features of these cases such as the protocol for medical management and prophylaxis. Even though some decisions have been controversial the death rate for inhalation of anthrax has significantly dropped than it was in the past. No relapses have been recorded after treatment as well as in the 10,000 people who were given prophylaxis even after they have been exposed (Guarner & Rio, 2010).

Follow Up Care

A follow-up is usually done for all the children who have a systemic illness with the exclusion after the first combination therapy for severe disease is completed. The information of the adequacy of oral follow-up therapy after a limited course parental treatment of systematic anthrax are incomplete (Guarner & Rio, 2010). The antimicrobial agents that have been recommended have significant oral absorption features and have been employed as the therapy for other infections that can be found in children.

Conclusion

Anthrax, as elaborated in the essay, is a disease that is caused by the natural occurrence of bacteria which is transported through pores that stay dominant in the soil for some time. When human beings get in skin contact with an infected animal, in particular, the cattle or sheep, they get infected with anthrax. Despite the fact that there are many ways one could be affected the deadliest form, however, involves breathing in the anthrax spores which is known to have 85 percent fatality rate. Therefore for anthrax to be treated the victim should seek medical attention once they discover the symptoms.

References

Cassem, N. (2013). Factors contributing to delay in responding to the signs and symptoms of anthrax. The American Journal of Cardiology, 24(5), 651-658. doi: 10.1016/0002-9149(69)90452-4

Enserink, M. (2010). Inhalational anthrax presents a diagnostic challenge. Inpharma Weekly, &NA;(1317), 6-12. doi: 10.2165/00128413-200113170-00012

Guarner, J., & Rio, C. D. (2010). Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Anthrax in Humans. Bacillus anthracis and Anthrax, 251-267. doi:10.1002/9780470891193.ch13

Smith, R. (2016). Anthrax. Oxford Medicine Online, 144-189. doi:10.1093/med/9780199976805.003.0062