Infectious Disease Exam - Anthrax Overview and Treatment
Guidelines With complete solution–Expert Verified | Latest
Questions 2025
What is the causative agent of anthrax? - The spore-forming, gram bacterium
Bacillus anthracis.
Who is at risk for anthrax infection? - Veterinarians, farmers, and individuals who
handle animal wool, hair, hides, or bone meal products.
What are the three forms of anthrax caused by Bacillus anthracis? - Cutaneous
(most common), inhalation (most deadly), and gastrointestinal (GI) anthrax.
Is anthrax transmissible from person to person? - No, there is no person-to-
person spread of anthrax.
How does cutaneous anthrax present? - It begins as a pruritic papule that enlarges
to form an ulcer with a satellite lesion and an edematous halo, evolving into a
black eschar within 7 to 10 days.
What are the symptoms of inhalational anthrax? - Fever, dyspnea, hypoxia,
hypotension, or pneumonia symptoms, typically caused by hemorrhagic
mediastinitis.
What is the typical presentation of gastrointestinal anthrax? - Dysphagia,
nausea/vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain after ingestion of poorly
cooked, contaminated meat.
Guidelines With complete solution–Expert Verified | Latest
Questions 2025
What is the causative agent of anthrax? - The spore-forming, gram bacterium
Bacillus anthracis.
Who is at risk for anthrax infection? - Veterinarians, farmers, and individuals who
handle animal wool, hair, hides, or bone meal products.
What are the three forms of anthrax caused by Bacillus anthracis? - Cutaneous
(most common), inhalation (most deadly), and gastrointestinal (GI) anthrax.
Is anthrax transmissible from person to person? - No, there is no person-to-
person spread of anthrax.
How does cutaneous anthrax present? - It begins as a pruritic papule that enlarges
to form an ulcer with a satellite lesion and an edematous halo, evolving into a
black eschar within 7 to 10 days.
What are the symptoms of inhalational anthrax? - Fever, dyspnea, hypoxia,
hypotension, or pneumonia symptoms, typically caused by hemorrhagic
mediastinitis.
What is the typical presentation of gastrointestinal anthrax? - Dysphagia,
nausea/vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain after ingestion of poorly
cooked, contaminated meat.
