Anthrax :: viruses, diseases,vaccines

A minor scratch or abrasion, ordinarily on an exposed atomic number 18a of the face or neck or arms, is infected by spores from the soil or a contaminated tool 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 eventually into a necrotic ulcer from Unlike chemical agents like cyanide which disperse over time, splenic fever spores can survive in soil, peeing and elsewhere for as long as 40 years and is extremely resistant to eradication. They can only be killed by steam sterilization or burning, but not by disinfectants. An infection of wild melody populations could follow a biological attack with spores. The infected animals could then loss on the disease to people. An anthrax Vaccine does exist and it is at defend produced under contract to the Department of Defense. The immunizati on consists of three injections given both weeks apart followed by three additional shots given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual 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 skin 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 hardship of the illness, two million units every 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 may be useful in a biological warfare setting.