Special Considerations for Prophylaxis for and Treatment of Anthrax in Pregnant and Postpartum Women

• Published in: Emerging infectious diseases Vol. 20; no. 2
• Main Authors: Meaney-Delman, Dana, Zotti, Marianne E., Creanga, Andreea A., Misegades, Lara K., Wako, Etobssie, Treadwell, Tracee A., Messonnier, Nancy E., Jamieson, Denise J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 01.02.2014
• Subjects: Adult; anthrax; Anthrax - drug therapy; Anthrax - immunology; Anthrax - microbiology; Anthrax - prevention & control; Anthrax Vaccines - administration & dosage; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; antibacterial agents; Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; antimicrobial drugs; Antitoxins - therapeutic use; Bacillus anthracis; Bacillus anthracis - drug effects; Bacillus anthracis - immunology; Bacillus anthracis - pathogenicity; Bioterrorism; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.); Female; Fetus; Humans; Infant; Lactation; Online Report; Postpartum Period; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - drug therapy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - immunology; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - microbiology; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - prevention & control; United States; Bacillus anthracis; treatment; breast-feeding; bacteria; postpartum period; pregnancy; antitoxins; anthrax; postexposure prophylaxis; vaccine; antimicrobial drugs; antibacterial agents; lactation; PEP; antibiotics; vaccination; women
• ISSN: 1080-6040; 1080-6059; 1080-6059
• DOI: 10.3201/eid2002.130611

In August 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, convened a meeting of national subject matter experts to review key clinical elements of anthrax prevention and treatment for pregnant, postpartum, and lactating (P/PP/L) women. National experts in infectious disease, obstetrics, maternal fetal medicine, neonatology, pediatrics, and pharmacy attended the meeting, as did representatives from professional organizations and national, federal, state, and local agencies. The meeting addressed general principles of prevention and treatment for P/PP/L women, vaccines, antimicrobial prophylaxis and treatment, clinical considerations and critical care issues, antitoxin, delivery concerns, infection control measures, and communication. The purpose of this meeting summary is to provide updated clinical information to health care providers and public health professionals caring for P/PP/L women in the setting of a bioterrorist event involving anthrax.