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Multiple Choice

Most common form of anthrax in humans worldwide?

Most human anthrax cases arise from spores entering through the skin, so cutaneous anthrax is by far the most common form worldwide. When the spores contaminate broken skin, they trigger a localized lesion that typically progresses to a characteristic eschar, and with prompt treatment it often remains limited to the skin. Inhalational anthrax, though highly serious, results from inhaling spores and is much less frequent in natural settings. GI and oropharyngeal forms come from ingestion of contaminated meat and are relatively rare globally. Because skin exposure is the most common route of contact, the cutaneous form dominates and is the typical presentation seen in most populations.

Most human anthrax cases arise from spores entering through the skin, so cutaneous anthrax is by far the most common form worldwide. When the spores contaminate broken skin, they trigger a localized lesion that typically progresses to a characteristic eschar, and with prompt treatment it often remains limited to the skin. Inhalational anthrax, though highly serious, results from inhaling spores and is much less frequent in natural settings. GI and oropharyngeal forms come from ingestion of contaminated meat and are relatively rare globally. Because skin exposure is the most common route of contact, the cutaneous form dominates and is the typical presentation seen in most populations.