A22: Anthrax

A22.7: Anthrax sepsis

Anthrax pathogens are specific bacteria. These bacteria are transmitted to humans from animals such as cattle, sheep or pigs, for example. You can get infected with anthrax by eating meat from sick animals. Direct contact with sick animals or their fur can also result in infection.

Anthrax bacteria have given you blood poisoning.

Blood poisoning is the most severe outcome of a disorder that has been caused by pathogens. Blood poisoning is also known as sepsis. With this, pathogens or their toxins may spread throughout the body via the blood. If the body’s immune system does not react properly to this, organs and tissue can become damaged. The damage may be extremely severe. It may be impossible to get it under control.

Because many organs can be damaged by blood poisoning, you can have many different symptoms. You may be very ill. You then have a fever, for example. The heart can race, and breathing can become very rapid. For example, the kidneys or liver may no longer work properly. The brain may also no longer be able to work properly. You might be very tired or even fall unconscious.