Cutaneous anthrax is characterized by a dark centered erythematous papule surrounded by edematous and vesicular tissue. The papule enlarges, ulcerates, forms eschar, which later sloughs. Lymphadenopathy, fever, malaise, headache, and nausea and vomiting may also occur. After the eschar sloughs, hematogenous spread and sepsis may occur, with resulting shock, collapse, and hemorrhagic meningitis. Anthrax is treated with penicillin G or tetracycline.
Mortality is high, especially in pulmonary anthrax.
Treatment is primarily supportive. Chagas' disease is a protozoan infection with Trypanosoma cruzi transmitted by insect bite. Myocarditis or meningoencephalitis may also occur. Most patients experience spontaneous remission of symptoms, followed by a lifelong low-grade parasitemia. There is not currently a satisfactory treatment for any stage of Chagas' disease.