炭疽的早期识别及处理

炭疽是一种自古以来一直威胁着人类和动物健康的动物源性传染病。多年来人类炭疽在世界各地散发或局部地方性流行从未间断,我国广大农牧区也常有病例报道。炭疽的致病菌——炭疽芽孢杆菌,主要以芽孢的形式通过皮肤接触、饮食或吸入的方式感染人类和动物。其中皮肤炭疽最为常见,而肺炭疽因致死率极高、近年来成为潜在的生物恐怖袭击工具而引起高度的重视。目前的研究证实早期识别炭疽感染、及时有效的抗菌素治疗可大大降低炭疽的死亡率。本文根据近年来炭疽研究进展,对炭疽病原学特点及炭疽的早期识别和处理做一简要综述,供同道参考。

Early Recognition and Management of Anthrax

Anthrax is an ancient zoonotic disease that continues to threaten human and animal health. It remains enzootic in many regions of the world, and cases of anthrax among humans are frequently reported in many rural regions and pasturing areas in China. The causative agent, Bacillus Anthracis, can infected animals and humans by cutaneous, oral or pulmonary routes, to spores, which are normally present in the soil. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common, and inhalational anthrax is expected to account for most serious morbidity and most mortality. Due to its potential as a bioweapon, inhalational an thrax has received a great deal of attention in recent years. It is clear that patient mortality is significantly decreased by early recognition and immediate administration of antibiotic therapy. This review briefly summarizes the current knowledge on the etiology, pathogenicity, epidemiologic features of anthrax, with a focus on how to recognize and manage this zoonotic disease in the early stage.