1/4. Update: Cutaneous anthrax in a laboratory worker--texas, 2002.On April 5, 2002, CDC reported a case of suspected cutaneous anthrax in a worker at laboratory A who had been processing environmental samples for bacillus anthracis in support of CDC investigations of the 2001 bioterrorist attacks in the united states. Since the initial report, the worker had serial serology performed at the CDC laboratory. A greater than fourfold rise from baseline in the concentration of immunoglobulin g to protective antigen was demonstrated. The peak antibody level was observed 7-8 weeks after the onset of symptoms, and the time course and levels of detectable antibodies were consistent with those seen in other cases of cutaneous anthrax. On the basis of case definitions developed during the recent investigation, these additional findings confirm this as a case of cutaneous anthrax. This case brings the number of anthrax cases identified in the united states since October 3, 2001, to 23, including 11 inhalation and 12 cutaneous (eight confirmed and four suspected). This is the first laboratory-acquired case of anthrax associated with the recent investigation.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = antigen (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/4. Inhalational anthrax outbreak among postal workers, washington, D.C., 2001.In October 2001, four cases of inhalational anthrax occurred in workers in a washington, D.C., mail facility that processed envelopes containing bacillus anthracis spores. We reviewed the envelopes' paths and obtained exposure histories and nasal swab cultures from postal workers. Environmental sampling was performed. A sample of employees was assessed for antibody concentrations to B. anthracis protective antigen. Case-patients worked on nonoverlapping shifts throughout the facility, suggesting multiple aerosolization events. Environmental sampling showed diffuse contamination of the facility. Potential workplace exposures were similar for the case-patients and the sample of workers. All nasal swab cultures and serum antibody tests were negative. Available tools could not identify subgroups of employees at higher risk for exposure or disease. Prophylaxis was necessary for all employees. To protect postal workers against bioterrorism, measures to reduce the risk of occupational exposure are necessary.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = antigen (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/4. Familial outbreak of agricultural anthrax in an area of northern italy.Three cases of cutaneous anthrax are reported which occurred in a farming family in northern italy. Epidemiological studies revealed contact with an infected cow (delivery of a stillborn fetus and slaughter). The cow was slaughtered soon after the delivery; cultures of carcass specimens yielded growth of bacillus anthracis. The origin of the animal infection was not known. serum samples were obtained from all 11 members of the family group and randomly from 10 of the 75 cows on the farm, which appeared to be in good health. Tests for antibodies against protective antigen and lethal factor using EIA and Western blot techniques were positive in three subjects (in paired sera) with cutaneous anthrax and in one subject who neither had had direct contact with the infected cow nor showed any sign of anthrax.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = antigen (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/4. Indigenous human cutaneous anthrax in texas.In December 1988 an indigenous case of cutaneous anthrax was identified in texas. The patient, a 63-year-old male Hispanic from southwest texas, was a sheep shearer and had a recent history of dissecting sheep that had died suddenly. He experienced an illness characterized by left arm pain and edema. A necrotic lesion developed on his left forearm, with cellulitis and lymphadenopathy. After treatment with oral and intravenous penicillins, the patient fully recovered. Western blot testing revealed a fourfold or greater rise in antibody titer to bacillus anthracis protective antigen and lethal factor. This represents the first case of indigenous anthrax in texas in more than 20 years.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = antigen (Clic here for more details about this article) |