Slide 28 of 63
Notes:
(HANDOUT # 7: Appendix D of Blue Book)
Penicillin and Doxycycline are approved by FDA for tx of naturally occurring anthrax; Ciprofloxin is approved by FDA for tx of aerosolized forms of anthrax. Currently, Cipro is the only antibiotic approved by FDA for use in reducing the incidence or progression of dx after exposure to aerosolized B. anthracis.
Antibiotics are effective against the germinated form of B. anthracis but NOT the spore form. Studies (on Macaques) show “break through” of disease (indefinitely) when not vaccinated in conjunction with the exposure. THEREFORE, there must be POST exposure vaccination in an unimmunized individual. Remember, too, that vaccination is a six-dose schedule: 0, 2, 4 weeks and 6, 12, 18 months with annual booster.
Facilities need policies in place to identify and manage health care workers exposed to infectious patient (Anthrax NOT infectious, though) AND MAINTAIN accurate occupational health records to facilitate identification, contact, assessment, and delivery of post-exposure care to potentially exposed healthcare workers, as well as other patient populations.
