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Virulence Factors of B. anthracis
What happens after anthrax spores germinate in the body?
They multiply and release toxins, leading to local lymph node inflammation and spread to the blood.
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Procedures for Handling Sudden Deaths Due to Anthrax
What cleaning measures should be taken after an anthrax incident?
Burn bedding, fumigate with formaldehyde, and use 5% formalin down drains.
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Zoonotic Nature of Anthrax
How do animals typically ingest anthrax spores?
Horses and ruminants ingest spores from soil, while pigs and carnivores ingest them from protein supplements or carcasses.
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Procedures for Handling Sudden Deaths Due to Anthrax
What type of sample should be taken for anthrax investigation?
Blood or oedematous fluid sample by syringe.
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Procedures for Handling Sudden Deaths Due to Anthrax
Which antibiotics are recommended for treating at-risk animals?
Penicillin and tetracycline.
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Historical Occurrence of Anthrax in the UK
What factors contributed to anthrax cases in the 1960s in the UK?
Hundreds of cases were linked to imported feeds, particularly meat and bone meal.
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Zoonotic Nature of Anthrax
Which animals are primarily affected by B. anthracis?
Cattle, sheep, goats, and to a lesser extent, horses and pigs.
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Procedures for Handling Sudden Deaths Due to Anthrax
What type of strain should be used for vaccination in endemic areas?
Viable spores of toxigenic, non-capsulate strain.
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Characteristics of Bacillus anthracis
What are the characteristics of Bacillus anthracis?
It is a large Gram-positive rod, spore-forming, aerobic/facultatively anaerobic, and catalase positive.
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Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Anthrax
What are the clinical signs of cutaneous anthrax?
Painless lesion with a very dark crust, local oedema, and haemorrhage.
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Procedures for Handling Sudden Deaths Due to Anthrax
What should be done if the anthrax test result is positive?
Inform APHA and the local Council.
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Procedures for Handling Sudden Deaths Due to Anthrax
What is the first step in the procedure for any unexplained sudden death related to anthrax?
Inform APHA and apply property restrictions.
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Procedures for Handling Sudden Deaths Due to Anthrax
What actions should be taken for at-risk animals in anthrax cases?
Cull, treat with antibiotics, and vaccinate.
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Historical Occurrence of Anthrax in the UK
What historical event is associated with anthrax in the UK during the 17th century?
The Black Bane, which recorded 60,000 deaths.
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Historical Occurrence of Anthrax in the UK
What current activities can disturb anthrax spores in the UK?
Disturbing soil through activities like digging ditches or mole hills.
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Procedures for Handling Sudden Deaths Due to Anthrax
What should be done with the body in case of a positive anthrax result?
Burn the body; no post-mortem.
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Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Anthrax
What are the clinical signs of septicaemic anthrax before death?
Increased respiratory and heart rates, fever, and very dark tar-like blood oozing from body orifices.
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Characteristics of Bacillus anthracis
Which species of Bacillus are known to be animal and human pathogens?
B. licheniformis, B. cereus, and B. anthracis.
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Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Anthrax
What is the typical outcome of septicaemic anthrax in ruminants?
Peracute infection with rapid onset of signs and death occurring within 1 to 2 hours.
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Virulence Factors of B. anthracis
What are the two main toxins produced by B. anthracis?
Oedema factor and lethal factor.
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Virulence Factors of B. anthracis
What is the significance of the poly-D-glutamic acid capsule in B. anthracis?
It resists antibodies, complement, and phagocytes.
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Cutaneous Anthrax in Humans
What is the most common form of anthrax in humans?
Cutaneous anthrax, also known as malignant pustule.
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Cutaneous Anthrax in Humans
How do spores of B. anthracis typically enter the human body?
Through wounds, where they germinate and release toxins.
