Anthrax Attacks Research Articles

Analysis of the Situation on Anthrax in 2019, the Forecast for 2020

The results of the analysis of epidemiological and epizootiological situation on anthrax in the Russian Federation and in the world in 2019 are presented in the paper. The forecast of morbidity rates in the Russian Federation for 2020 is made. In 2019, five cases of cutaneous anthrax were registered in the Russian Federation in two regions of the North Caucasian Federal District – Republic of Dagestan (4) and Stavropol Territory (1), which is two cases plus as compared to 2018. Outbreaks of infection among livestock animals and humans were recorded in such neighboring countries as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The unfavorable epizootiological situation on anthrax was observed almost everywhere. The highest incidence rates among wild and livestock animals were found in a number of countries in Asia and Africa. Anthrax among people was registered mainly in African countries, infection occurred mainly by alimentary route, less often – through contact with carcasses, meat of animals. Anthrax morbidity rates among animals and humans in the Russian Federation in 2020 will be largely determined by the completeness of registration and coverage with specific immunization of livestock animals and groups of people under professional risk of infection and, if measures are fully implemented, incidence will not exceed single cases.

眼睑皮肤炭疽一例

眼睑皮肤炭疽一例

The first laboratory-confirmed case of anthrax in Guinea

The prefecture of Koubia in the Labe region of Guinea suffers from permanent threats due to anthrax outbreaks. However, investigations have never benefited from laboratory diagnostic testing of suspicious samples. In this work, we performed laboratory diagnostic testing on samples from the most recent anthrax outbreaks that occurred in February and May of 2019. We report the first evidence of laboratory confirmation of anthrax in Guinea. This work highlights the importance for conducting study to understand the dynamic of anthrax at the human, animal, and environment interface in the prefecture of Koubia.

Review: The risk of contracting anthrax from spore-contaminated soil - A military medical perspective.

Anthrax is an infectious disease of relevance for military forces. Although spores of Bacillus anthracis obiquitously occur in soil, reports on soil-borne transmission to humans are scarce. In this narrative review, the potential of soil-borne transmission of anthrax to humans is discussed based on pathogen-specific characteristics and reports on anthrax in the course of several centuries of warfare. In theory, anthrax foci can pose a potential risk of infection to animals and humans if sufficient amounts of virulent spores are present in the soil even after an extended period of time. In praxis, however, transmissions are usually due to contacts with animal products and reported events of soil-based transmissions are scarce. In the history of warfare, even in the trenches of World War I, reported anthrax cases due to soil-contaminated wounds are virtually absent. Both the perspectives and the experience of the Western hemisphere and of former Soviet Republics are presented. Based on the accessible data as provided in the review, the transmission risk of anthrax by infections of wounds due to spore-contaminated soil is considered as very low under the most circumstance. Active historic anthrax foci may, however, still pose a risk to the health of deployed soldiers.

Construction of lanthanide-containing ratiometric probe for facile anthrax biomarker detection.

Since the outbreak of anthrax attack in the United States in 2001, much effort has been done to detect anthrax spores. In this paper, a simple and facile lanthanide-containing ratiometric luminescence "turn on" probe is constructed to achieve sensitive and selective detection of anthrax spores biomarker - pyridine-2,6-carboxylic acid (DPA) by simply mixing Tb3+, sodium polyacrylate as well as red internal reference which could exclude some disturbance from the luminescence of biological tissue. Our probe shows remarkable luminescence enhancement upon addition of DPA. The detection limit for DPA is measured as 35.8nM with a wide work range of 0-66.7μM. Besides, our probe enables distinguish DPA selectively from numerous interfering materials in aqueous solution. Further test strip experiments demonstrate the potential practical application of our probe in DPA detection.

An informational reference on anthrax for first responders.

Anthrax was widely discussed in the media several years ago during the American Anthrax attacks. Despite a lessened interest in the subject today, anthrax still poses a threat to the United States government and its people. This article looks at publically available data and resources in an effort to combine current information into one easy to ready document. It can be used as an informational reference for first responders when learning about the anthrax threat.

Typical Evolution of a Cutaneous Anthrax Lesion

An illustrated case of cutaneous anthrax acquired in eastern Turkey was described in this report. A 56-year-old female patient applied to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic with a painless, dark-colored swelling over her right middle finger accompanied by edema extending to the right hand. Typical disease course of a cutaneous anthrax lesion evolved in a few days. This case report was presented in order to help clinicians to recognize the different stages of the disease in clinical practice. Keywords: anthrax , cutaneous anthrax , eschar , edema

Human anthrax in Kyrgyz Republic: Epidemiology and clinical features

BackgroundBacillus anthracis infects both humans and animals which leads to anthrax disease. The disease is still a global issue as it occurs naturally and has a potential use for bioterrorism/bio-weapons agents. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and epidemiologic features of human anthrax that has been seen in Kyrgyzstan. MethodsThis study was carried out at the Osh Regional Hospital that is located in the southern regions of Kyrgyz Republic. Medical records of patient's diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. Epidemiology and clinical features of the infection and the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy were investigated. ResultsTwo hundred thirty four anthrax cases were reviewed. Among the patients, men in the 31–50 age group prevailed. Infection episodes that sought medical attention occurred mostly during the summer and autumn. Analysis of epidemiological data shows that anthrax contamination occurred as a result of direct contact with mainly farm animals, slaughtering, butchering and the selling of the meat. Cutaneous lesions were localized mostly in the upper extremities. Among the observed patients, a majority of the cases presented a mild form of the disease. The isolated strains of B. anthracis were mostly susceptible to amoxiclav, ofloxacin, 3rd generation of cephalosporins, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin, penicillin and streptomycin. A majority of the isolates were found to be resistant to ampicillin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol. ConclusionAnthrax is still an endemic disease that has lead to outbreaks in the Kyrgyz Republic. The transmission of human infection is seen by direct contact with ill animals or dead animal products. The common form seen in the clinical setting is cutaneous anthrax. Future studies should focus on the surveillance and infection control measurements associated with the anthrax.

Zoning of the republic of Kazakhstan as to the risk of natural focal diseases in animals: the case of rabies and anthrax

Rabies and anthrax, being natural focal diseases, are characterized by the ability to persist in areas with a certain combination of environmental factors without human intervention. These infections annually cause sporadic outbreaks in domestic, livestock and wild animals in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) receiving close attention of the veterinary service. In particular, targeted mass vaccination and surveillance are conducted, which requires zoning of the country according to the exposure to the diseases.This paper presents a zoning approach based on the estimation of suitability to the study diseases using the Environmental Niche Modelling method. Retrospective data on animal rabies outbreaks in the RK for 2003-2014, as well as data on anthrax burial sites for 1933-2014 were used. The following environmental factors were treated as potential explanatory variables: 1) a set of climate data derived variables BIOCLIM; 2) altitude above the sea level; 3) land cover type; 4) the maximum green vegetation fraction and 5) soil type.The modelling outcomes for both diseases indicate elevated risks along the northern and southeastern borders of the RK that not only follows the distribution of historic disease cases, but also accounts for potentially suitable environmental conditions. To comply with the requirements of the veterinary service, gridded risk maps were converted into categorical maps by averaging risk values within municipal districts and ranking according to four categories: low, medium, high, and very high.The maps obtained may be used as recommendations to the veterinary service as a basis for developing regionspecific anti-epizootic measures.

Epidemiological and comparative genomic analysis of Bacillus anthracis isolated from northern Vietnam.

To understand the epidemiological and genetic background of anthrax cases occurring in Vietnam from 2011 to 2015, we surveilled and genetically analyzed Bacillus anthracis isolated in the north of the country. Epidemiological surveillance showed that most human cutaneous anthrax cases occurred in association with animal dissection. Whole-genome sequences were obtained from six B. anthracis strains from human patients with cutaneous anthrax in the endemic area. Comparative genomic analysis showed that the genetic homogeneity among Vietnamese B. anthracis strains was very high. All Vietnamese B. anthracis strains belonged to the canSNP lineage of A.Br.011/009, which mostly consists of strains of the trans-Eurasian (TEA) group, including the most closely related strain, Carbosap. To clarify the genetic diversity of Vietnamese strains and strains belonging to A.Br.011/009 and A.Br.008/011 canSNP lineages, we applied a reference genome-based single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and gene-by-gene genomic analysis (whole-genome MLST) strategy. The phylogeny from core genome SNPs revealed that the Vietnamese strains were positioned close to each other; moreover, several SNPs specific to Vietnamese B. anthracis were identified. Whole-genome MLST analysis revealed the differences in the number of SNPs between Vietnamese strains, which could enable discrimination at the strain level.

Livestock owners\u2019 anthrax prevention practices and its associated factors in Sekota Zuria district, Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, the second most prioritized of the zoonotic diseases next to rabies is anthrax. About 50.6% of anthrax cases and 33.3% of deaths of livestock have been reported from Wag-Himra Zone, where appropriate anthrax prevention practices are not implemented by the owners of the animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the extent of appropriate anthrax prevention practices of livestock owners and associated factors in Sekota Zuria district, northwest Ethiopia.ResultsTwenty-five percent (95% CI: 25.2, 26.1%) of the livestock owners implemented appropriate anthrax prevention. Three quarters (74%) of the owners consumed infected meat; more than three quarters (78%) used the skins and hides of animals found dead with anthrax. The odds of appropriate anthrax prevention practices were higher among livestock owners with positive attitude (AOR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.72, 6.37), who received health education (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.28) and owners who lived in urban areas (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.43, 4.77) compared to their counterparts. Ability to read and write (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.37), and primary (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.37) or secondary school and above education (AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.61, 11.13) were significantly associated with appropriate anthrax prevention practices.ConclusionIn Sekota Zuria district, only one quarter of the livestock owners were aware of appropriate anthrax prevention practices. Thus, implementing effective health education and creating positive attitude are vital to improve anthrax prevention practices in the area.

Major Insights into Microbiology: An Interview with Luciano Marraffini.

Major Insights into Microbiology: An Interview with Luciano Marraffini.

Rapid Nanopore Whole-Genome Sequencing for Anthrax Emergency Preparedness.

Human anthrax cases necessitate rapid response. We completed Bacillus anthracis nanopore whole-genome sequencing in our high-containment laboratory from a human anthrax isolate hours after receipt. The de novo assembled genome showed no evidence of known antimicrobial resistance genes or introduced plasmid(s). Same-day genomic characterization enhances public health emergency response.

Predicting the periodic risk of anthrax in livestock in Victoria, Australia, using meteorological data.

Cases of anthrax in livestock are infrequently and irregularly reported in the state of Victoria, Australia; however, their impact on individual livestock, farming communities and the government agencies tasked with containing these outbreaks is high. This infrequency has been anecdotally associated with differences in annual and local weather patterns. In this study, we used historical anthrax cases and meteorological data from weather stations throughout Victoria to train a generalized linear mixed effects model to predict the daily odds of a case of anthrax occurring in each shire in the coming 30days. Meteorological variables were transformed to deviations from the mean values for temperature or cumulative values for rainfall in the shire across all years. Shire was incorporated as a random effect to account for meteorological variation between shires. The model incorporated a post hoc weighting for the frequency of historic cases within each shire and the spatial contribution of each shire to the recently redefined Australian Anthrax Belt. Our model reveals that anthrax cases were associated with drier summer conditions (OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.95-0.97) and OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99) for every mm increase in rainfall during September and December, respectively) and cooler than average spring (OR 0.20 (95% CI 0.11-0.52) for every °C increase in minimum daily temperature during November and warmer than average summer temperatures (OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.29-1.61) for every °C increase in maximum daily temperature during January. Cases were also preceded by a 40-day period of cooler, drier temperatures (OR 0.5 (95% CI 0.27-0.74) for every °C increase in maximum daily temperature and OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.95-0.97) for every mm increase in rainfall followed by a warmer than average minimum (or nightly) temperature 10days immediately before the case (OR 1.46 (95% CI 1.35-1.58) for every °C increase in maximum daily temperature). These coefficients of this training model were then applied daily to meteorological data for each shire, and output of these models was presented as a choropleth and timeline plot in a Shiny web application. The application builds on previous spatial modelling and provides Victorian agencies with a tool to engage at-risk farmers and guide discussions towards anthrax control. This application can contribute to the wider rejuvenation of anthrax knowledge and control in Victoria and corroborates the anecdote that increased odds of disease can be linked to meteorological events.

Spatio Temporal Distribution of Anthrax in Sulawesi 2015-2018

Three among five Provinces (South Sulawesi, West Sulawesi and Gorontalo) in Sulawesi island, Indonesia are endemic area of anthrax disease. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamic of anthrax during 2015-2018 and identified risk area in Sulawesi. We determined case of anthrax disease from passive-active surveillance data Disease Investigation Center Maros (DIC Maros) during 2015-2018. Spatial distribution describe by mapping using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), the temporal distribution describe using epidemic curve and we calculated the proportion of animal infected of anthrax. There were thirty-three cases of anthrax spreaded into three Provinces in Sulawesi, there were twenty one cases in South Sulawesi (63.6%), nine cases in Gorontalo (27.3%) and three cases West Sulawesi (9.1%). There were eleven cases (33.3%) in 2015, fifteen cases (45.5%) in 2016, four cases (12%) in 2017 and three cases (6%) in 2018. Anthrax occured respectively in dry season in South Sulawesi and Gorontalo, different with West Sulawesi anthrax occured in rainy season. The proportion of the animal infected were 87% in cattle, 7% in horse, 3% goat and 3% in deer. Vaccination of anthrax in South Sulawesi and Gorontalo should be conducted in May; in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi in Februari.

Spatial distribution of cutaneous anthrax in western Iran from 2009 to 2016: Geographic information system mapping for predicting risk of anthrax outbreaks

Objective: To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases and their aggravating factors are essential in all public health. This study attempts to use geographic information system (GIS) to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax. Methods: Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016. Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up, pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern. Results: Most cases were reported in females (57 cases, 54.80 %), and the lower body limbs were most affected (63 cases, 60.57%). The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan, Saqez and Divandareh, with more concentration in the central parts of the province, rather than borderline areas. The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj (57.74%) with a potential susceptible area of 1 729.12 km2 and then in Saqez (54.36%) with a potential area of 2 422.4 km2. Conclusions: A vast area of Kurdistan Province is high risk for new cases of anthrax. Therefore, it is important to scale up the surveillance system in the province.

An informational reference on anthrax for first responders.

Anthrax was widely discussed in the media several years ago during the American Anthrax attacks. Despite a less-ened interest in the subject today, anthrax still poses a threat to the United States government and its people. This article looks at publically available data and resources in an effort to combine current information into one easy to ready docu-ment. It can be used as an informational reference for first responders when learning about the anthrax threat.

Factors Influencing Farmers Participation in the Vaccination Program against Anthrax in Bogor District, Indonesia

Bogor District is one of the endemic areas of anthrax cases in Indonesia. The mass vaccination campaign on livestock including goats and sheep needs to be done to prevent the spread of the disease. The willingness of farmers to participate is the main key to the success of this vaccination campaign. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence the willingness of goat and sheep farmers to participate in vaccination programs against anthrax in their farms. A total of 60 goat and sheep farmers were randomly selected from 3 villages located in the region with the highest incidence of cases in Babakan Madang Subdistrict. Data was collected through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Analysis to determine risk factors was carried out by chi square test and continued by calculating the value of relative risk (RR) to measure the magnitude of the influence of these factors. The results showed that the factors that influenced the farmers to be willing to participate in the anthrax vaccination program were history that had been directly counseled with RR values 2,844 (95% CI = 1,547-5,288) and history of having constrained to vaccinate their livestock with RR values 1,960 (95% CI = 1,203 - 3,193). Based on these findings it is recommended to increase farmer participation in mass vaccination programs against anthrax can be done through increasing communication, information and education activities and minimizing constraints for farmers to vaccinate their livestock.

Anthrax in Dagestan: clinical and epidemiological characteristics, risks, and prognosis of a group outbreak in 2019

Anthrax continues to pose a serious problem for the healthcare and agricultural industries of Russia. Since 1900, over 70,000 outbreaks of human and animal infection have been recorded in Russia. Despite ongoing anti-epidemic measures, epizootics and epidemic foci of anthrax are recorded annually. Over the past 10 years, 23 anthrax outbreaks among people have been recorded in the Russian Federation with a morbidity rate of 90 people, and three fatal outcomes were observed. The Caucasus region ranks first in the Russian Federation in the incidence of anthrax in people and animals. The Republic of Dagestan is a region that is highly prone to anthrax. The spread is aggravated by landscape and environmental conditions that are favorable to the formation and long-term existence of anthrax foci. In most cases, the disease arises in areas previously considered safe for this infection, which indicates the presence of unregistered animal burial sites and the lack of proper control over sanitary condition. People become infected with anthrax due to the uncontrolled and forced farm slaughter of sick animals resulting from the lack of facilities for sanitary slaughter. Human infection occurs mainly during the slaughter of sick cattle, carving, and contact with animal raw materials. This article illustrates a group of anthrax outbreaks that occurred as a result of contact with a sick animal during slaughter and carving. Four local residents of one village fell ill, and in all of them, anthrax manifested in the form of a moderate skin course. The last case of anthrax in cattle in the said locality was recorded in 1958. This fact highlights the importance of compliance with anti-epidemic measures, including the so-called settlements that are safe for anthrax.

Logistical aspects when coping with non-pandemic biological terror attack

Purpose This paper aims to examine the time it would take to provide medical prophylaxis for a large urban population in the wake of an airborne anthrax attack and the effect that various parameters have on the total logistical time. Design/methodology/approach A mathematical model that evaluates key parameters and suggests alternatives for improvement is formulated. The objective of the model is to minimize the total logistical time required for prophylaxis by balancing three cycles as follows: the loading cycle, the shipping cycle and the service cycle. Findings Applying the model to two representative cases reveals the effect of various parameters on the process. For example, the number of distribution centers and the number of servers in each center are key parameters, whereas the number of central depots and the local shipping method is less important. Research limitations/implications Various psychological factors such as mass panic are not included in the model. Originality/value There are few papers analyzing the logistical response to an anthrax attack, and most focus mainly on the strategic level. The study deals with the tactical logistical level. The authors focus on the distribution process of prophylaxis and other medical supplies during the crisis, analyze it and identify the parameters that influence the time between the detection of the attack and the provision of effective medical treatment to the exposed population.