Which is the most common type of anthrax?

Which is the most common type of anthrax?

• A. Inhalational
• B. Gastrointestinal
• C. Ocular
• D. Cutaneous

Answer: (D)

Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form. It occurs when Bacillus anthracis spores enter the skin, usually through contact with contaminated animal products or soil. The typical course starts with a painless red bump that enlarges into a vesicle and then forms a black, necrotic eschar. People who receive prompt antibiotic treatment generally recover well with little or no systemic illness. In contrast, inhalational and gastrointestinal forms are far less common in everyday life but are far more dangerous when they occur, and ocular involvement is rare. So, among the forms, the skin-based infection is the most frequent.

Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form. It occurs when Bacillus anthracis spores enter the skin, usually through contact with contaminated animal products or soil. The typical course starts with a painless red bump that enlarges into a vesicle and then forms a black, necrotic eschar. People who receive prompt antibiotic treatment generally recover well with little or no systemic illness. In contrast, inhalational and gastrointestinal forms are far less common in everyday life but are far more dangerous when they occur, and ocular involvement is rare. So, among the forms, the skin-based infection is the most frequent.