Anthrax (gastrointestinal)

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.

Reference:

• (1) World Health Organization (WHO) 2008. Anthrax in humans and animals (fourth edition)