infectious diseases
Anthrax
Key Points
Anthrax is typically acquired from infected animals but has been used as a biological weapon. Potent toxins, including edema toxin and lethal toxin, are responsible for the most severe manifestations. The main clinical forms of anthrax are cutaneous (most common), oropharyngeal, gastrointestinal, meningeal, and inhalation (most lethal). Gastrointestinal and inhalation anthrax are not transmitted from person to person. Treat with an appropriate antibiotic regimen and sometimes a monoclonal antibody that binds to the protective antigen component ofB. anthracistoxin or anthrax immune globulin. Give postexposure prophylaxis withciprofloxacin,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,doxycycline, orclindamycin,anthrax vaccine, and sometimes monoclonal antibodies to people exposed to inhalation anthrax. 