Prevention and Control of Bacillus anthracis infections

Prevention and Control

These include (a) chemoprophylaxis with antibiotics, (b) immuno-prophylaxis with vaccination, and (c) decontamination of animal products.

◗ Chemoprophylaxis

Chemoprophylaxis is indicated for people who have been exposed to anthrax but do not have symptoms of the disease. This is use-ful to reduce the risk or progression of disease due to inhaled anthrax spores. Ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines including doxycy-cline, or penicillin administered for a period of 60 days is effective.

◗ Immunoprophylaxis

Immunoprophylaxis includes vaccination in animals and in humans.

Vaccination in animals: Control of anthrax in animals isessential to prevent transmission of infection to humans. Vaccines comprising killed bacilli and/or capsular antigens produce no significant immunity. A nonencapsulated toxigenic strain has been used effectively for vaccination in livestock.

The Sterne vaccine contains spores of a nonencapsulated avirulent mutant strain of B. anthracis. The mutant strain pro-duces sublethal amounts of the toxin that induces formation of protective antibodies. The animal is protected for a year with a single injection of spore vaccine. It is extensively used in animals; however, it is not safe for human use. The vaccination of animals has also been used:

      to protect people living in an area endemic for the disease and

      to protect persons dealing with animal and animal products.

◗ Decontamination of animal products

These include proper sterilization of animal products, such as wool, hides, etc., and improvement of personal hygiene.