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.
Most strains are resistant to cefuroxime.
Corticosteroids may be useful but have not been adequately evaluated. There is no specific therapy for GI anthrax. Contaminated meat should be avoided. If ingestion occurs, prophylaxis may be given with penicillin G 4 million U q 4 h IV for 10 days. Epidemiology N. asteroides usually enters the body via the lungs and rarely via the GI tract or skin.