Differential Diagnosis for a Sobbing Farmer Suspecting Anthrax
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Cutaneous anthrax: This is the most common form of anthrax and can be acquired through cuts or scratches in the skin, making it a likely diagnosis for a farmer who may have come into contact with infected animals or contaminated soil.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Brucellosis: This zoonotic disease can be transmitted from animals to humans, often through contact with infected livestock, which could explain the farmer's symptoms.
- Leptospirosis: Another zoonotic disease that farmers may be exposed to through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
- Q fever: Caused by Coxiella burnetii, this disease can be transmitted to humans from animals, particularly during birthing processes, and could be a consideration given the farmer's occupation.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Tularemia: Although less common, tularemia is a potentially deadly disease that can be transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated water and soil, making it crucial not to miss.
- Plague: While rare, the plague is a highly infectious and deadly disease that can be transmitted through the bites of infected fleas, direct contact with infected animals, or inhalation of respiratory droplets from person to person, making it essential to consider.
- Rabies: If the farmer has been bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies, this diagnosis must be considered due to its almost invariably fatal outcome if not promptly treated.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Glanders: A zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia mallei, which is rare but can be transmitted to humans from infected animals, typically through direct contact with nasal or oral discharges.
- Melioidosis: Caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, this disease is more common in tropical regions but can be considered in farmers who have traveled to or have been in contact with individuals from endemic areas.