Anthrax Diagnosis D IA G N O S IS Condition Differentiating signs / symptoms Differentiating tests Influenza infection • Symptoms of malaise,
fatigue, low-grade fever,
and dyspnoea associated
with early inhalation
anthrax may resemble
influenza. However, coryza,
pharyngitis, and nasal
congestion do not occur in
cases of anthrax.
[58]
•
Anthrax cases may be
distinguished from influenza
by the presence of a
widened mediastinum on
CXR. Rapid antigen assays
and oropharyngeal viral
cultures may be useful if
positive for influenza.
Mycoplasma pneumonia • Pneumonia and inhalation
anthrax may both present
with coughing and fever;
however, anthrax is
differentiated by additional
symptoms of loss of
consciousness, dizziness,
confusion, nausea, vomiting,
and SOB.
•
Blood cultures would not find
B anthracis .
•
Rise in titre of
Mycoplasma -specific Ig on convalescent
serum.
•
Positive molecular diagnosis
from nasopharyngeal
aspirate, sputum, or throat
swabs.
Viral pneumonia • Viral pneumonia and
inhalation anthrax may both
present with coughing and
fever; however, anthrax is
differentiated by additional
symptoms of loss of
consciousness, dizziness,
confusion, nausea, vomiting,
and SOB. Additionally, viral
pneumonia may present with
sore throat and runny nose,
not found with anthrax.
•
Blood cultures would not find
B anthracis .
Bronchitis • Bronchitis and inhalation
anthrax may both present
with coughing; however,
anthrax is differentiated by
additional symptoms of loss
of consciousness, dizziness,
confusion, nausea, vomiting,
and SOB.
•
There are no differentiating
tests.
