Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

How is anthrax primarily diagnosed?

1. Characteristic clinical signs; there is no laboratory test

2. Agar gel immunodiffusion assay

3. Bacterial culture and identification

4. Electron microscopy of tissue samples

The correct answer is: Bacterial culture and identification

Anthrax is primarily diagnosed through bacterial culture and identification. The causative agent, Bacillus anthracis, can be isolated from samples of affected tissues, blood, or other specimens. This method allows for direct observation of the bacteria and confirmation of the diagnosis through culture on specific media that support the growth of this organism. Bacterial culture is important as it not only confirms the presence of B. anthracis but also allows for further testing to determine the strain and its sensitivity to antibiotics. This is key in managing and treating the infection effectively, as well as in understanding the epidemiology of anthrax outbreaks. While characteristic clinical signs can suggest anthrax, relying solely on clinical signs without laboratory confirmation can lead to misdiagnosis. Similarly, although tests like the agar gel immunodiffusion assay exist, they are not the primary methods used for initial diagnosis. Electron microscopy, while useful in the examination of certain tissues, is not commonly used for the diagnosis of anthrax and does not provide the specificity needed for definitive identification of the bacterium.