โรคแอนแทรกซ์ (Anthrax) อันตรายที่มากับสัตว์ ป้องกันได้ก่อนสาย!

Anthrax (Anthrax) is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can form spores that are resistant to environmental conditions and can survive for decades. It is mostly found in mammals such as cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep, and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated meat. This disease can be treated if diagnosed early, but if left untreated, it can be life-threatening. 
&nbsp;
<h2>‘What causes Anthrax?’ </h2>
Anthrax (Anthrax) is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive bacterium that can form “spores” (spore) and can enter the human body through 3 main routes, including |
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Skin contact from touching infected animals or animal products (such as hair, hide, horns) when there are cuts or abrasions on the skin </li>
<li>Respiratory route by inhaling spores mixed in dust, soil, animal hair, or dried products from infected animals </li>
<li>Ingestion by consuming undercooked meat from infected animals such as cattle, goats, or sheep</li>
</ol>
The bacterium Bacillus anthracis cannot be transmitted directly from person to person but can spread from animals to humans through spores that are resistant and widely distributed in the environment 
&nbsp;
<h2>Symptoms of Anthrax are divided into 4 forms</h2>
&nbsp;
1. Cutaneous Anthrax (Cutaneous Anthrax) is the most common, accounting for over 90% of all cases
<ul>
<li>Starts as a red raised bump → turns into a clear blister → becomes an ulcer with a black scab in the center </li>
<li>Generally painless, but if untreated, the infection may spread into the bloodstream</li>
</ul>
2. Inhalation Anthrax (Inhalation Anthrax) is the most severe and can be fatal within a few days
<ul>
<li>Begins like a cold → cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing </li>
<li>The infection can cause respiratory failure or bloodstream infection</li>
</ul>
3. Gastrointestinal Anthrax (Gastrointestinal Anthrax) results from eating contaminated meat
<ul>
<li>Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, possibly with blood </li>
<li>There may be blood in the stool or vomiting blood </li>
<li>If untreated, it may lead to intestinal inflammation or shock</li>
</ul>
4. Injection Anthrax (Injection Anthrax) is found in injecting drug users, mostly in some European countries 
<ul>
<li>Rapid swelling and redness at the injection site </li>
<li>Tissue necrosis, deep wounds, spreading infection </li>
<li>High risk of bloodstream infection and possible death </li>
</ul>
 
<h2>How is Anthrax diagnosed?  </h2>
Doctors will take a history and perform a physical examination, along with additional tests such as 
<ul>
<li>Culture from wounds, blood, or sputum </li>
<li>PCR testing to detect bacterial DNA </li>
<li>X-ray or CT scan in cases suspected of lung infection </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Treatment of Anthrax </h2>
If detected early, treatment can lead to recovery. Generally, antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Penicillin are used. In severe infections or bloodstream involvement, antitoxin therapy and intensive care may be required. 
&nbsp;
<h2>Prevention of Anthrax infection </h2>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Avoid contact with dead animals or animal carcasses of unknown cause </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Do not consume meat from animals that died abnormally or undercooked meat </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">People working with animals, such as farmers, ranchers, and slaughterhouse workers, should wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">In some cases, vaccination against anthrax may be given to at-risk groups </li>
</ul>
 
Although anthrax is rare in humans, it can be severe and fatal if it occurs. Awareness of symptoms, proper prevention, and early medical consultation are key to complete recovery. If you work with animals, work in high-risk areas, or have abnormal symptoms suspected to be related to anthrax, do not wait for it to worsen. Seek specialist medical evaluation for timely diagnosis and treatment, which will increase the chances of recovery and effectively reduce the risk of the disease. 
 
Dr. Pitak Dechaporntewan
Infectious Disease Specialist 
Phyathai 2 Hospital

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria, transmitted from animals to humans. Recognize the symptoms, prevent, and treat it in time before it's too late.

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Anthrax: The Danger That Comes with Animals, Prevent It Before It's Too Late!

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