What are the Different Kinds of Anthrax Disease?
Cutaneous – More than 95 percent of all anthrax cases are skin infections. It begins as a tiny blister on the skin that increases in size and develops a dark center. Days later, the site of the infection grows to about the size of a dime, and tissue continues to decay. In the next few days, an influx of immune cells and the direct effects of the anthraces toxin cause swelling around the blister. As the infection continues, the toxin diffuses further through the skin, causing more damage. If infection spreads to the blood, death often results. However, more frequently, infection clears up on its own or with antibiotics. Ingested – Intestinal anthrax most often comes from eating contaminated undercooked meat. This form is 25-60 percent lethal. It produces severe food poisoning type symptoms, leading to fever and blood poisoning. Ingested anthrax does respond in varying degrees to antibiotic treatment if given shortly after infection. Inhalation – Pulmonary anthrax is contracted from inha
