What are the main methods for detecting anthrax virus?

The harm caused by anthrax virus is quite serious. We have seen the harm caused by anthrax virus in some film and television programs before. This is a zoonotic infectious disease that is highly contagious. From an epidemiological point of view, people who have close contact with herbivores on a daily basis should actively prevent this disease. Once they become ill, they should be checked and isolated in a timely manner.

1. Epidemiological data

The judgment is mainly made based on the patient's occupation, work and various aspects of life. For example, whether the patient is a farmer, animal husbandry worker, fur or leather processing worker who has close contact with herbivorous animals on a daily basis. Or those who live in epidemic areas and stay in an environment where biological warfare agents may be released by the enemy.

2. Clinical manifestations

Based on the patient's previous medical history and combined with various clinical characteristics, an accurate clinical diagnosis can be made.

3. Laboratory examination

1. Blood picture: The white blood cell count is usually increased, generally between 10 and 20×109/l, and a few can be as high as 60 to 80×109/l, among which neutrophils are the main type.

2. Bacteriological examination:

By taking smears or cultures of different clinical types of lesion exudates, vomitus, secretions, sputum, feces, blood and the patient's cerebrospinal fluid, the presence of some pathogens can be detected. The patient's secretions, tissue fluid or pure culture obtained can also be taken for examination: for example, the subcutaneous tissue of inoculated rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and other animals can be tested. If the patient develops typical edema and bleeding at the injection site within 24 hours, it is a positive reaction. If the animal dies within 36 to 48 hours, the pathogen can be found in the animal's blood, tissue fluid and various organs.

3. Serological examination

Agar diffusion test, complement fixation test, indirect hemagglutination test, and anthrax ring precipitation test are all important aids in diagnosing anthrax.

Anthrax examination is also carried out step by step based on the above three aspects. Suspected anthrax disease must be examined, diagnosed and treated early, otherwise it may endanger life. No matter how powerful and terrible a disease is, there are countermeasures to help alleviate and treat it. I hope everyone can be optimistic about the disease, work together to fight the spread of infectious diseases, and ensure the health and safety of everyone.