Occasionally, organisms can be seen by Gram stain of vomitus or feces. Clinically, GI anthrax presents with nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fever progressing to bowel necrosis with concurrent septicemia and death. An oropharyngeal form of anthrax presents as a mucocutaneous lesion in the oral cavity with sore throat, fever, adenopathy, and dysphagia. This proceeds to necrosis and death. Repeated vaccination may be required to ensure protection.
Local reactions can occur.
A live toxigenic, unencapsulated avirulent animal vaccine is available for veterinary use. Treatment of the cutaneous form with procaine penicillin G 600,000 U IM bid for 7 days prevents systemic spread and induces gradual resolution of the pustule. Progression of the lesion through the eschar phase occurs despite antibiotic therapy. Alternatively, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, or chloramphenicol may be used. Penicillin or erythromycin is preferred in young children.