MALIGNANT PUSTULE Meaning and
Definition
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A malignant pustule, also known as anthrax, is an acute infectious disease caused by exposure to Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming bacterium. The term "malignant pustule" refers specifically to the cutaneous form of anthrax, characterized by the development of a dark, elevated and firm lesion on the skin. The lesion appears as a small, red bump that progresses to a larger blister or pustule within a few days. The pustule is typically surrounded by a ring of swollen and reddened skin, giving it a distinct appearance.
The pustule caused by B. anthracis is highly malignant, meaning it has a tendency to become progressively worse and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. The bacterium produces toxins that can spread throughout the body, leading to systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the infection can progress to a severe form known as inhalation anthrax, which affects the respiratory system and can be potentially fatal if not promptly treated.
Malignant pustule, or anthrax, is most commonly acquired through direct contact with infected animals, their products, or contaminated soil. However, it can also be transmitted through inhalation or ingestion of spores. Given its potential for severe illness and its historical use as a biological weapon, prompt diagnosis and treatment, including the administration of antibiotics, are crucial in managing cases of malignant pustule.
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Cutaneous anthrax; a form of anthrax in which the characteristic lession begins as a papule which soon becomes a vesicle and breaks, discharging a bloody serum; the seat of this vesicle, in about 36 hours, becomes a bluish black necrotic mass; the constitutional symptoms are severe-high fever, vomiting, profuse sweating, and extreme prostration; the affection is often fatal in its termination.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MALIGNANT PUSTULE
- nalignant pustule
- kalignant pustule
- jalignant pustule
- mzlignant pustule
- mslignant pustule
- mwlignant pustule
- mqlignant pustule
- makignant pustule
- mapignant pustule
- maoignant pustule
- malugnant pustule
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- malognant pustule
- mal9gnant pustule
- mal8gnant pustule
- malifnant pustule
- malivnant pustule
- malibnant pustule
- malihnant pustule
Etymology of MALIGNANT PUSTULE
The word "malignant pustule" is a medical term used to describe a skin lesion caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which is responsible for the disease anthrax.
The term "malignant" comes from the Latin word "malignus", meaning "evil" or "malevolent". It is derived from the Latin verb "malignare", which means "to act wickedly" or "to cause harm". In the context of medicine, "malignant" is often used to describe serious, life-threatening diseases that tend to spread and can be difficult to treat.
The word "pustule" comes from the Latin "pustula", which directly translates to "blister" or "pustule". It refers to a small, inflamed, and often pus-filled bump or blister on the skin.
Similar spelling words for MALIGNANT PUSTULE
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