A new study will help doctors discriminate between infection with anthrax and more common respiratory infections.

Doctors and the public alike need to be alert to the possibility of a bioterror attack, with anthrax being one possible weapon. Researchers at Cornell University now report on how to distinguish anthrax from common respiratory conditions like flu.

They looked at data from the 11 inhaled anthrax cases from the 2001 attacks, and added more data from 17 additional patients with the infection. Their symptoms were compared to those of more than 4,000 cases of flu and related respiratory infections. Fever and cough do not distinguish between anthrax and other infections, but neurologic problems like dizziness and confusion do. Gastrointestinal symptoms are also likely with anthrax, as is shortness of breath.

The ability to differentiate between anthrax and other infections is vital if those subject to a bioterror attack are to get the treatment they urgently need. Four of the 11 patients who developed anthrax in 2001 were originally sent home with a diagnosis of viral syndrome, bronchitis or gastroenteritis. It's equally important that people who just have a bad dose of flu are not treated for anthrax infection.

Source

Annals of Internal Medicine 2nd September 2003