Anthrax :: viruses, diseases,vaccines

A minor scratch or abrasion, usually on an candid area of the face or neck or arms, is infected by spores from the soil or a contaminated animal or carcass. The spores germinate, vegetative cells multiply, and a characteristic gelatinous edema develops at the site. This develops into papule within 12-36 hours after infection. The papule changes rapidly to a vesicle, then a pustule, and finally into a necrotic ulcer from irrelevant chemical agents like Cyanide which disperse over time, Anthrax spores can survive in soil, water and elsewhere for as long as 40 years and is highly resistant to eradication. They can only be killed by steam sterilization or burning, but not by disinfectants. An infection of preposterous stock populations could follow a biological attack with spores. The infected animals could then pass on the disease to people. An Anthrax Vaccine does exist and it is at defer produced under contract to the Department of Defense. The immunization consists of three inje ctions given two weeks apart followed by three additional shots given at 6, 12, and 18 months. yearly booster injections of the vaccine are required to maintain a protective level of immunity. This particular method is effective when dealing with Anthrax contacted through the fight and is believed to be effective against inhaled spores in the case of a biological warfare attack. For those unvaccinated individuals, antibiotics like penicillin is known to lessen the severity of the illness, two million units each two hours administered intervenouslyIt was formerly thought that inhaled spores are 100% fatal despite treatment but monkeys exposed to Anthrax spores have responded successfully to antibiotics, implying that antibiotic therapy whitethorn be useful in a biological warfare setting.