Anthrax other diagnostic studies
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Overview
Diagnostic Studies
Other studies to diagnose Anthrax infection include:
Test | Initial Findings | Serial Monitoring |
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EKG | Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response | |
Lumbar puncture | At admission unless contraindicated | Headache Confusion Other neurologic symptom If meningitis, meningeal signs will only be present at a later stage |
Other imaging | As relevant to site of exposure Evaluate edema Evaluate inflammation Evaluate necrosis |
For headache, confusion or other neurologic symptom If meningitis, meningeal signs will only be present at a later stage |
Echocardiogram | Evaluate for pericardial effusion Evaluate for myocardial dysfunction |
PCR
PCR is becoming more widely available as a means of confirming the presence of the virulence factor (capsule and toxin) genes, and hence that an isolate is, or is not, virulent B. anthracis. For routine purposes, primers to one of the toxin genes (usually the Protective Antigen gene) and to one of the enzymes mediating capsule formation are adequate. In laboratories not equipped for PCR tests, if doubt remains to the definitive identity of a suspect B. anthracis isolate, inoculation into a mouse or guinea-pig may be the only way remaining to determine conclusively if it is virulent B. anthracis. However this should be a last resort procedure and confined to situations where a definitive identification is essential.