Lecture 23 - SARS, Anthrax, Campylobacter

Scientific name for SARS

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Associated Coronavirus 1

Etiologic agent for SARS

SARS-COV-1

Species involved with SARS

Multiple species

Geographic distribution of SARS

Worldwide

Clinical signs of SARS

- Cough/sneeze
- Resp distress
- Nasal/ocular discharge
- V/d
- Fever
- Inappetence
- Lethargy

Lesions associated with SARS

- Pneumonia
- Viral antigens in bronchial/alveolar epithelial cells

Morbidity/mortality of SARS

11% morbidity in humans

Diagnostic tests for SARS

- PCR
- Virus isolation
- ELISA

How is SARS transmitted?

- Aerosol
- Fomites

How is SARS treated?

Supportive care

How is SARS controlled?

- Yearly vaccines for dogs
- Not well surveillanced

What is the PPV for SARS rapid tests?

Low

Scientific name for anthrax

Bacillus anthracis

(two forms - vegetative and dormant spore)

Species involved with anthrax

Humans & herbivores primarily

Geographic distribution of anthrax

Worldwide

Clinical signs of human cutaneous anthrax

- Blisters/bumps with inflammation

- Painless necrotic ulcers

- Rash called eschar

Clinical signs of human inhalation anthrax

- Flu-like symptoms
- Lymphadenopathy
- High fever, resp distress
- Shock
- Pleural effusion

Clinical signs of human GI anthrax

- Flu-like symptoms
- Oral/esophageal ulcers
- Hematemesis
- Diarrhea

Clinical signs of animal peracute anthrax

- Staggering, trembling
- Dyspnea
- Convulsions
- Death

Clinical signs of animal acute anthrax

- High fever
- Excitement
- Tachycardia
- Tremors
- Dyspnea
- Bloody discharge
- Colic
- Neck swelling
- Death

Clinical signs of animal chronic anthrax

- Pharyngeal edema
- Lymphadenopathy
- Fever
- Anorexia
- Weakness
- Necrosis, edema of upper GI
- Death

Morbidity/mortality of anthrax

Mortality ranges from <2-95%

Diagnostic tests for anthrax

- Culture

- Isolate bacteria

- Radiographs

- NO NECROPSY

How is anthrax transmitted in humans?

- Inhalation/ingestion/wound penetration of spores
- Working with infected animals
- Raw/undercooked infected meat

How is anthrax transmitted in animals?

- Inhale/consume spores
- Bites by some flies

How is anthrax treated in humans?

Penicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline

How is anthrax treated in animals?

Penicillin, tetracyclines

How is anthrax controlled in humans?

- Safe lab practices
- Improved industry standards
- Post-exposure antibiotics
- Vaccination

How is anthrax controlled in animals?

- Vaccination
- Detection & reporting
- Quarantine
- Burn & bury suspected/confirmed cases

Significant issues with anthrax

Biological weapon!

What agent was used in the 2001 mail bioterrorism attacks?

Anthrax

What may happen if you miss an anthrax diagnosis/do a necropsy?

You may not lose your license, but you will most likely be punished

Does anthrax have a high or low infective dose?

High

Scientific name of Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter spp.

Species involved with Campylobacter

Humans, food animals, companion animals

Geographic distribution of Campylobacter

Worldwide

Clinical signs of Campylobacter

- Sometimes asymptomatic
- V/d
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Infertility

Morbidity/mortality of Campylobacter

0.24% mortality
1.5 million cases per year

Diagnostic tests for Campylobacter

- Isolate bacteria
- PCR
- Culture
- Immunoassay

How is Campylobacter transmitted?

- Fecal-oral
- Fomites
- Contaminated water/food
- Contaminated animals

How is Campylobacter treated?

- Rehydrate
- Antibiotics

How is Campylobacter controlled?

Good hygiene

What disease may contribute to Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Campylobacter

What is the most common source for Campylobacter?

Contaminated poultry