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Diagnosis

Authoring team

Seek specialist advice.

Specimens required to confirm the diagnosis:

  • swab of exudate -
  • for gram staining and culture
  • standard universal precautions (gloves, gowns, masks and hand washing) should be adopted to take the samples
  • note that lesions become sterile within 24-48 hours of starting effective antibiotic treatment
  • skin biopsy - two samples - one for histology, immunocytochemistry and polymerase chain reaction; one for gram staining and culture
  • blood - serology, PCR, culture
  • respiratory samples including lung aspirates, pleural fluids, or sputum samples (2)

In addition for inhalation anthrax

  • chest X-ray: Mediastinal Widening, Pleural Effusion, Pulmonary Infiltrate
  • CT Chest if high suspicion and normal Chest X-ray (3)

Reference:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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