Antibiotics Are Not Always Effective Against Bacillus
Bacillus anthracis, or B. anthracis, is the causative agent of brucellosis, a common disease of humans and livestock that is caused by a group of bacteria called Mycoplasma spp. This bacteria is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, the same group of bacteria that cause strep throat in humans. The name "brucellosis" is derived from the Latin word "burcu," meaning "blood." Brucellosis can occur in two forms: primary and secondary infection.
B. anthracis can be transmitted by direct contact of animals or humans with infected wounds; contact between animals and humans or animals and infected livestock; or by direct inhalation of spores. The most common mode of transmission is direct skin-to-skin contact, and transmission usually completes within six hours of contact. There is no permanent cure for Siberian bacillus.
Bacillus anthracis usually grows and multiplies rapidly in a warm, humid environment. It is not usually spread to humans through animal bites, but it can be contracted by inhaling spores. Spores are airborne, which allows them to be easily airborne in the environment where bacillus anthracis grows. These organisms thrive in humid, dark environments such as farm fields and dairy herds. People become infected when they come into direct contact with an animal or person infected with anthrax bacillus, and this one the organism can survive on the skin, clothing, and other items contaminated with these organisms.
Although most people do not contract the disease through direct contact with infected animals or people, it is common in herds and poultry farms. Most people are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms. They develop a fever, rash, and diarrhea. In rare cases, patients may also develop jaundice and hepatitis.
The most common symptom of a Siberian bacillus infection is an unexplained fever that comes on suddenly, sometimes without warning. Some people may develop a skin rash after contact with spores, while others may develop smaller rashes. Antibiotics are usually not prescribed to treat Siberian bacillus because the cause of the infection is unknown.
Some people can be affected by bacillus anthracis and develop skin infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and staph infection. If skin infections or skin rashes are suspected, an examination by a dermatologist is recommended. However, bacillus anthracis infections are rarely diagnosed by a physician unless they appear as a complication of another condition.
Most people who get sick with bacillus anthracis have no prior history of this disease
Sometimes the infection is acquired in utero, but the majority of bacillus infections are acquired through sexual contact. If the disease is acquired during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriages or neonatal death.
Treating bacillus infections is often a long and complicated process, and doctors may have to wait years to see a full recovery from the infection. If treatment is delayed, the likelihood of recurrence is greater.
There are several treatment options available for bacillus infections. These options include oral medications (antibiotics), prescription drugs (tetracycline and penicillin), and natural remedies, which use herbs and other substances to kill the infection.
Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, are usually used to treat bacillus infections that are resistant to standard antibiotics. Oral antibiotics have several side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Tetracycline, a bacterium that is naturally present in the body, is effective against many bacteria, but has a poor track record against bacillus. It should not be used for treatment of bacillus infections. Because it kills all bacteria in the body, tetracycline will also cause some of its patients to develop skin infections. It is very effective against some of the most commonly occurring strains of bacillus, but not against most of the resistant strains.
In addition to treating the infection with antibiotics, doctors may also prescribe steroid cream and other medication to treat the rashes and itching caused by the infection. Antibiotics can cause damage to the kidney, liver, and bones.
