Delayed life-threatening reaction to anthrax vaccine

Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
B Swanson-Biearman, E P Krenzelok

Abstract

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Due to the current world threat of unpredictable biological terrorism, the Department of Defense has mandated the systematic vaccination of all US military personnel against this warfare agent. Many may experience al mild flu-like illness and soreness at the injection site, but systemic reactions are rare. We report a delayed and potentially serious life-threatening adverse reaction to anthrax vaccine. A previously healthy 34-year-old male was transported to the emergency department with dyspnea, diaphoresis, pallor, and urticarial wheals on his face, arms, and torso after the administration of the third dose of anthrax vaccine. All symptoms resolved after pharmacological intervention and the patient was discharged. Pharmaco-epidemiological data indicate that 30% of anthrax vaccine recipients experience mild local reactions. With large numbers of military personnel being vaccinated, emergency physicians may encounter more vaccine-related adverse reactions.

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Citations

Apr 18, 2002·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Bin ZhouKim D Janda
Sep 5, 2009·Molecular Aspects of Medicine·Robert J CybulskiAlison D O'Brien
Jun 15, 2004·Vaccine·Claire M CoeshottM A Julie Westerink
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Jul 4, 2008·Clinical and Vaccine Immunology : CVI·Sarah C Taft, Alison A Weiss

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