Question

Diagnose the following: black, necrotic but painless lesion at the base of the index finger. History: patient works outside as sheep herder and in a wool processing plant. Gram stain: large gram positive bacillus, extended culture- good aeration required, endospore produced. What is the diagnosis? What is the microorganism causing the disease? How is disease transmitted? How is the disease treated? What symptoms might the patient develop if the disease is not treated? What s the patient's future prognosis with treatment?

Answer 1

What is the diagnosis

Anthrax

What is the microorganism causing the disease?

Bacillus anthracis. It is a large gram positive bacillus needs more oxygen

How is disease transmitted?

Humans can be get affected from direct contact with infected animals via any breaks ,lacerations or wounds on skin( patient is a sheep herder) , consuming infected animal meat and other products , exposure to infected animals skin and products made from it, contact with soil contaminated by the animal got infected may be by its excreta or dead animal .It can be transmitted through inhalation also.

How is the disease treated?

Antibiotics 7-10 days

Pencillin, Ciprofloxacin, Clindamycin, Amoxycillin, Ampicillin,Gatifloxacin (Tequin),Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin). Intravenous and oral administration , adjust dosage according to the severity of the infection.

What symptoms might the patient develop if the disease is not treated?

If not treated, the infection may spread all over body .Present with extensive edema over body or lesions on neck or head . Systemic infections may occur .Symptomatic treatment should be given or else may lead to shock and collapse..

What s the patient's future prognosis with treatment?

If infection is cutaneous, patient will recover with treatment but the scar remains. If the infection is in respiratory tract and meninges it needs hospitalization ,sometimes even after treatment , it may be fatal.