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Anthrax (gastrointestinal)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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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