Abstract
What is already known about this topic?Inhalational anthrax, also known as pulmonary anthrax, is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The patients are usually infected by inhaling aerosolized B. anthracis spores from dead animals or animal products. Compared to cutaneous anthrax, inhalational anthrax is rare and deadly and few cases in China were reported. What is added by this report?This report covers all information of clinical features, laboratory testing, and epidemiological characteristics as well as exposure history of a recent primary inhalational anthrax patient who was seeking medical treatment in Beijing Municipality in August 2021. New laboratory techniques, including second-generation sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and rapid test for serum antibody, played an important role in the process.What are the implications for public health practice?The information provided in this report, including the correct sample type, epidemiological investigation details, and application of the new diagnostic criteria of anthrax, could assist public health professionals in dealing with anthrax epidemics.
Highlights
China CDC WeeklyEpidemiological Investigation of an Inhalational Anthrax Patient Traveling for Medical Treatment in Beijing Municipality, China, August 2021
Six hours later, Beijing CDC reported that pleural effusion sample of the case tested positive for nucleic acids of Bacillus anthracis using fluorescent realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
On August 19 and 20, 2 samples of pleural effusion collected from the patient with 24hour interval were negative for B. anthracis both by real-time PCR and bacterial culture
Summary
Epidemiological Investigation of an Inhalational Anthrax Patient Traveling for Medical Treatment in Beijing Municipality, China, August 2021. This report covers all information of clinical features, laboratory testing, and epidemiological characteristics as well as exposure history of a recent primary inhalational anthrax patient who was seeking medical treatment in Beijing Municipality in August 2021. Six hours later, Beijing CDC reported that pleural effusion sample of the case tested positive for nucleic acids of Bacillus anthracis using fluorescent realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On August 19 and 20, 2 samples of pleural effusion collected from the patient with 24hour interval were negative for B. anthracis both by real-time PCR and bacterial culture. This met the requirements for discharging anthrax cases from hospital isolation. A total of 127 close contacts of the case in Beijing were quarantined at designated sites or at home for 12 days from the last contact with the patient
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