How is anthrax diagnosed?
Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating the bacteria from blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions. Presumptive diagnosis can be seen on a slide showing non-hemolytic, non-motile, encapsulated gram-positive, spore forming rods using an India ink stain or gram stain. There is no screening test available to detect anthrax infection in a person without symptoms. Nasal swabs are not useful in making a diagnosis.
