pulmonary anthrax

anthrax /an·thrax/ (an´thraks) an often fatal, infectious disease of ruminants due to ingestion of spores of Bacillus anthracis in soil; acquired by humans through contact with contaminated wool or other animal products or by inhalation of airborne spores.

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cutaneous anthrax  that due to inoculation of Bacillus anthracis into superficial wounds or abrasions of the skin, producing a black crusted pustule on a broad zone of edema.

gastrointestinal anthrax  intestinal a.

inhalational anthrax  a highly fatal form due to inhalation of dust containing anthrax spores, which are transported by alveolar pneumocytes to regional lymph nodes, where they germinate; it is primarily an occupational disease seen in those who handle and sort wools and fleeces.

intestinal anthrax  anthrax involving the gastrointestinal tract, caused by ingestion of poorly cooked meat contaminated by Bacillus anthracis spores; bowel obstruction, hemorrhage, and necrosis may result.

pulmonary anthrax  inhalational a.

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pulmonary anthrax.

See woolsorter's disease.

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anthrax

a peracute disease of all animal species, caused by Bacillus anthracis, and characterized by septicemia and sudden death. The causative bacteria form long-living spores which maintain the disease on a farm for many years. Significant necropsy findings include exudation of dark, tarry blood from the body orifices, failure of the blood to clot, absence of rigor mortis and splenomegaly. A dangerous zoonosis. Easily controlled by vaccination of livestock.

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alimentary anthrax

infection resulting from the ingestion of animals dead of anthrax. Largely a human manifestation in developing countries.

anthrax belt

regions where anthrax is enzootic, where soil and climate favor persistence of the organism in soil and where routine efforts to control the disease are not sufficient. Outbreaks commonly follow climatic extremes of flood or drought.

cutaneous anthrax

anthrax due to lodgment of the causative organisms in wounds or abrasions of the skin, producing a black crusted pustule on a broad zone of edema. A common form of the disease in humans.

pulmonary anthrax

infection of the respiratory tract resulting from inhalation of dust or animal hair containing spores of Bacillus anthracis; an occupational disease of humans usually affecting those who handle and sort wools and fleeces (woolsorters' disease).

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pulmonary anthrax

Inhalation anthrax, see there