Analysis index

Prior consultation by telephone is imperative! Usually clinical sample material such as blood cultures (2 pairs), wound swabs / biopsies / puncture specimen, CSF, stool, respiratory material.

Suspicion of anthrax:

Skin anthrax: Development of urticaria at the portal of entry;

Inhalation anthrax: Respiratory symptoms with hemoptysis; x-ray: widened mediastinum;

Intestinal anthrax: Vomiting and bloody diarrhea

The public health department is informed in accordance with § 6 section 1 (k) IfSG (Infection protection act)

On suspicion of anthrax, samples for pathogen diagnostics should be taken prior to therapy commencement, where possible.

Non-human material: In case of suspicious, non-human material (i.e. envelopes), which could contain anthrax spores, the fire brigade and the responsible public health department are to be notified. Such material is not tested here. Do not touch suspicious substances and, if possible, cover them up and leave them alone. Persons, who have had contact with those substances should wash and disinfect their hands thoroughly. Lock the room. Register all persons, who have been in the same room.

Depending on portal of entry, the following clinical forms are differentiated:

The most common form is skin anthrax due to damaged skin; More recently, repeated cases due to i.v. drug abuse and dirtied heroin; Inhalation anthrax due to inhalation of contaminated dusts; Intestinal anthrax due to ingesting contaminated food.

Further information: www.rki.de