infections
Anthrax
Diagnosis of Anthrax
Examination or culture of samples of infected skin, fluids, or stool Sometimes blood tests Doctors suspect skin anthrax based on its typical appearance. Knowing that people have had contact with animals or animal products or were in an area where other people developed anthrax supports the diagnosis. If inhalation anthrax is suspected, chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) is done. Samples of blood, infected skin, fluids around the lungs, or stool are removed and examined with a microscope or cultured (enabling bacteria, if present, to multiply). Anthrax bacteria, if present, can be readily identified. If people have inhalation anthrax and symptoms (such as confusion) suggesting that the brain may be affected, doctors may also do a Spinal Tap (lumbar puncture) to obtain a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). The sample is examined and analyzed. People undergo imaging of the brain and spine, such as with a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when a spinal tap cannot be done. Blood tests may be done to check for fragments of the bacteria’s genetic material or antibodies to the toxins produced by the bacteria. 