In simple words: Gastrointestinal anthrax is a serious infection of the digestive system caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacteria.It's typically contracted by eating contaminated food or water.Symptoms can range from mild (fever, chills, upset stomach) to severe (bloody vomiting, diarrhea, and even death if untreated).Diagnosis involves lab tests, and treatment typically includes antibiotics and medications to neutralize the bacteria's toxins.

Gastrointestinal anthrax, an infection affecting the digestive system, is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.Transmission typically occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food or water containing bacterial spores.Symptoms can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, flushing, diarrhea, sore throat, abdominal swelling, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swollen neck lymph nodes, and fainting. Severe, untreated cases can be fatal. Diagnosis involves physical examination, patient history, and laboratory tests (blood, spinal fluid, respiratory secretions, or skin specimens) to detect B. anthracis toxins. Treatment includes antibiotics and antitoxins.

Example 1: A patient presents with severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever after consuming undercooked meat from a region known for anthrax in livestock. A22.2 is used to code the diagnosis of gastrointestinal anthrax., A group of individuals experience symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal anthrax after attending a picnic where food safety practices were questionable.A22.2 is used in their medical records., A traveler returning from an area where anthrax is endemic develops gastrointestinal symptoms. A22.2 is used to code the suspected anthrax infection pending laboratory confirmation.

Documentation should include patient history (including potential exposure to infected animals or contaminated food/water), physical examination findings, laboratory test results confirming B. anthracis infection, and treatment details.