|
Anthrax
Orf (ecthyma
contagiosum)
• In cases of orf, a scab forms
but the distinctive eschar
of cutaneous anthrax is
absent. In addition, the
notable oedema associated
with anthrax does not
occur. Cases of orf are
distinguished by clinical and
historical clues relating to
contact with infected sheep
or goat flesh.
•
Histological examination
of orf reveals epidermal
hyperplasia, necrosis,
pseudoneoplastic vesicular
proliferation, and dermal
infiltration with eosinophilic
dominance.
[56]
Brown recluse spider bite
• Brown recluse spider bites
are associated with pain,
while lesions of cutaneous
anthrax are classically
painless. In addition, the
notable oedema associated
with anthrax does not
occur. Cases of brown
recluse spider bites occur in
endemic regions. The brown
recluse spider,
Loxosceles
, can be found in the US in
south-eastern Nebraska,
Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas,
Louisiana, Arkansas,
Missouri, Kentucky,
Tennessee, Mississippi,
Alabama, northern Georgia,
and southern portions of
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and
Iowa.
[57]
•
Blood or wound cultures
would not find
B anthracis
.
D
IA
G
N
O
S
IS
This PDF of the BMJ Best Practice topic is based on the web version that was last updated: Aug 08, 2018.
BMJ Best Practice topics are regularly updated and the most recent version
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