Which statement about anthrax is FALSE?

Which statement about anthrax is FALSE?

• A. Cutaneous anthrax is typically less dangerous than inhalational anthrax
• B. Inhalational anthrax is highly dangerous
• C. Antibiotics can effectively treat early-stage anthrax
• D. Pulmonary anthrax is associated with the lowest risk of death if left untreated

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is comparing how dangerous each form of anthrax is and how treatment affects outcomes. Inhalational (pulmonary) anthrax is the most dangerous form because the infection rapidly progresses and toxins overwhelm the body. If left untreated, this form has a very high likelihood of death, far higher than cutaneous anthrax. Antibiotics can effectively treat anthrax, especially when started early, which improves survival if the illness is caught in its early stages. Cutaneous anthrax is typically much less dangerous than inhalational anthrax, and with prompt treatment has a good prognosis. So, the statement claiming that pulmonary (inhalational) anthrax is associated with the lowest risk of death if left untreated is false.

The main idea here is comparing how dangerous each form of anthrax is and how treatment affects outcomes. Inhalational (pulmonary) anthrax is the most dangerous form because the infection rapidly progresses and toxins overwhelm the body. If left untreated, this form has a very high likelihood of death, far higher than cutaneous anthrax. Antibiotics can effectively treat anthrax, especially when started early, which improves survival if the illness is caught in its early stages. Cutaneous anthrax is typically much less dangerous than inhalational anthrax, and with prompt treatment has a good prognosis.

So, the statement claiming that pulmonary (inhalational) anthrax is associated with the lowest risk of death if left untreated is false.