Lethal factor and anti-protective antigen IgG levels associated with inhalation anthrax, Minnesota, USA

Emerg Infect Dis. 2014 Feb;20(2):310-4. doi: 10.3201/eid2002.130245.

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis was identified in a 61-year-old man hospitalized in Minnesota, USA. Cooperation between the hospital and the state health agency enhanced prompt identification of the pathogen. Treatment comprising antimicrobial drugs, anthrax immune globulin, and pleural drainage led to full recovery; however, the role of passive immunization in anthrax treatment requires further evaluation.

Keywords: Bacillus anthracis; Inhalation anthrax; Minnesota; USA; anthrax; anthrax immune globulin; anti-PA; anti-protective antigen; critical care; lethal factor; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anthrax / diagnosis
  • Anthrax / immunology
  • Anthrax / microbiology*
  • Anthrax / therapy
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Antigens, Bacterial / blood*
  • Bacillus anthracis / isolation & purification*
  • Bacillus anthracis / pathogenicity
  • Bacterial Toxins / blood*
  • Drainage, Postural
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / immunology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • anthrax toxin

Supplementary concepts

  • Inhalation anthrax