Anthrax

Diagnosis of Anthrax

Diagnosing anthrax begins with a healthcare professional assessing your risk factors and exposure history. Because anthrax symptoms can resemble more common illnesses such as flu or pneumonia, these conditions are usually ruled out first.

Medical history and exposure assessment
Your provider will ask about your work, recent travel, contact with animals, or exposure to contaminated materials to evaluate your likelihood of anthrax infection.

Physical examination
Depending on the type of suspected anthrax—cutaneous, inhalation, gastrointestinal, or injection—your provider will examine your skin, throat, or other affected areas.

Tests for Anthrax

Skin testing
Fluid from a sore or a small tissue biopsy may be tested for cutaneous anthrax.

Blood tests
A blood sample can detect anthrax bacteria, especially in systemic infections.

Imaging tests

• Chest X-ray or CT scan can identify inhalation anthrax and its effects on the lungs.

Stool testing
Used to diagnose gastrointestinal anthrax by checking for the presence of anthrax bacteria.

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
If anthrax is suspected to affect the central nervous system, a spinal tap may be performed to test for meningitis caused by anthrax.

Treatment of Anthrax

Treatment depends on the type of anthrax, stage of infection, and your overall health. Early intervention is critical for effectiveness.

Antibiotics
The primary treatment for anthrax is antibiotic therapy, tailored based on the infection type, strain, and patient factors. Treatment may involve a single antibiotic or a combination, typically lasting several weeks.

Antitoxins
For inhalation anthrax, medications such as raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab help neutralize toxins produced by the bacteria. Anthrax immunoglobulin may also be used. These antitoxins are administered alongside antibiotics and are available through the CDC.

Supportive therapies
Treatment may include supportive care such as:

• Ventilators for breathing support

• Fluids and vasopressors to maintain blood pressure

Surgical procedures
In cases of anthrax resulting from injected drugs or localized infections, surgical removal of infected tissue may be necessary. Procedures may also involve draining fluids in the lungs (pleural effusion) or abdomen (ascites) when these complications occur.