Family Practice, Reynolds Army Community Hospital, 10 Briarcreek Drive, Fort Sill, OK 73505, USA.
Anthrax is an ancient disease associated with the plagues in biblical Egypt and modern bioterrorism. Three clinical syndromes result from exposure to anthrax spores: cutaneous,inhalational, and gastrointestinal. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common naturally occurring syndrome; inhalational anthrax is most likely to result from airborne release of spores. Prophylactic and early treatment can improve the mortality from inhalational anthrax. A vaccine is available, but has many limitations. New vaccines are currently being developed.