Definition

1. Noun:
   • A form of anthrax infection: A bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis that enters through a cut or abrasion in the skin.
   • Characteristic progression: The infection typically begins as a small, painless bump (papule) that develops into a blister (vesicle), then breaks open to form a black scab (eschar) while discharging toxins.
   • Associated systemic symptoms: Can cause severe symptoms of blood poisoning (septicemia), including vomiting, high fever, and heavy sweating. Without treatment, it is often fatal.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer was diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax after handling infected livestock.
  • Early antibiotic treatment is crucial for cutaneous anthrax to prevent systemic illness.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is used specifically in medical and public health contexts to describe the most common and least lethal form of anthrax, distinguishing it from inhalational or gastrointestinal anthrax.
  • While cutaneous anthrax has a lower mortality rate than the inhalational form, it still requires immediate medical attention.

Variants and Related Words

• Anthrax (n): The general name for the disease caused by .
• Malignant pustule (n): An older, synonymous term for the skin lesion of cutaneous anthrax.
• Eschar (n): The black, necrotic scab that is a hallmark of the cutaneous anthrax lesion.

Synonyms

• Skin anthrax
• Anthrax of the skin

Related Phrases

• "To contract cutaneous anthrax": To become infected with the skin form of anthrax.
  • Veterinarians can contract cutaneous anthrax through contact with sick animals.

Noun

1. a form of anthrax infection that begins as papule that becomes a vesicle and breaks with a discharge of toxins; symptoms of septicemia are severe with vomiting and high fever and profuse sweating; the infection is often fatal