Wąglik – Etiologia i przyczyny

Wąglik
Etiologia i przyczyny

Bacillus anthracis, Gram-dodatnia, przetrwalnikująca pałeczka o wymiarach 1-1,5 μm szerokości i 3-10 μm długości, jest etiologicznym czynnikiem wąglika – poważnej choroby zakaźnej u zwierząt i ludzi. Bakteria ta wytwarza otoczkę antyfagocytarną z kwasu poli-D-glutaminowego oraz toksyny: obrzękową i letalną, które zakłócają funkcje komórek układu odpornościowego i są główną przyczyną objawów klinicznych oraz wysokiej śmiertelności, szczególnie w postaci płucnej (80-100% bez leczenia). Przetrwalniki B. anthracis mogą przetrwać w glebie przez dziesięciolecia, zwłaszcza w warunkach zasadowych (wysokie pH), z dużą zawartością wapnia i w suchym klimacie, co sprzyja epidemiologii choroby. Zakażenie następuje przez uszkodzoną skórę, drogi oddechowe lub przewód pokarmowy, a u zwierząt prowadzi do nagłej śmierci z powodu posocznicy. U ludzi najczęstsza jest postać skórna (>95% przypadków), natomiast wąglik płucny, choć rzadszy, jest najcięższy i wymaga szybkiej interwencji. Wąglik jest chorobą odzwierzęcą, bez transmisji między ludźmi, a do zakażenia w drodze inhalacji potrzeba około 10 000 przetrwalników.

Etiologia wąglika

Wąglik jest poważną chorobą zakaźną wywoływaną przez Bacillus anthracis, Gram-dodatnią, pałeczkowatą, przetrwalnikującą bakterię. Jest to jedyny obligatoryjny patogen w dużym rodzaju Bacillus, który może powodować śmiertelną infekcję u zwierząt i ludzi.¹² Bakteria ta w warunkach niekorzystnych tworzy przetrwalniki (spory), które mogą przetrwać w glebie przez dziesięciolecia, a nawet do stu lat, co ułatwia jej rozprzestrzenianie.³⁴

Charakterystyka bakterii B. anthracis

Bakteria Bacillus anthracis ma średnicę 1-1,5 μm i długość 3-10 μm. Pałeczki są zazwyczaj proste, ale mogą być również lekko zakrzywione. Końce bakterii są ścięte, a nie zaokrąglone. Pałeczki wąglika mają tendencję do tworzenia długich łańcuchów i mogą wyglądać podobnie do streptobacilli na hodowlach.⁵ B. anthracis wytwarza otoczkę, którą można łatwo uwidocznić za pomocą barwienia błękitem metylenowym lub tuszem indyjskim. Kolonie mają wygląd „matowego szkła”, są przyczepne i wyglądają na szaro lub biało na agarze z krwią. Kolonie mierzą 4-5 mm średnicy i mają charakterystyczne wypustki w kształcie przecinka.⁶

B. anthracis jest względnym beztlenowcem, co oznacza, że może rosnąć zarówno w obecności, jak i przy braku tlenu. Ta cecha umożliwia bakterii przetrwanie i rozmnażanie się w różnych środowiskach, od tkanek zwierzęcych po glebę.⁷ W warunkach niekorzystnych do wzrostu bakteria przekształca się w przetrwalniki, które są niezwykle odporne na czynniki środowiskowe takie jak wysoka temperatura, wysuszenie, promieniowanie ultrafioletowe i gamma.⁸

Czynniki wirulencji

Wirulencja B. anthracis wynika z trzech głównych czynników:⁹¹⁰

Otoczka antyfagocytarna – składająca się z kwasu poli-D-glutaminowego, która chroni bakterię przed fagocytozą przez komórki układu odpornościowego gospodarza
Toksyny – wytwarzane w fazie wegetatywnej, składające się z białek i będące główną przyczyną objawów chorobowych
Zdolność do szybkiego namnażania się w organizmie gospodarza

¹¹¹²

Najważniejsze toksyny wąglika to:¹³

Toksyna obrzękowa – kombinacja antygenu ochronnego i czynnika obrzękowego, która hamuje fagocytozę i funkcję neutrofilów
Toksyna letalina – kombinacja antygenu ochronnego i czynnika letalnego, która jest najważniejszym czynnikiem wirulencji i główną przyczyną śmierci

¹⁴

Te toksyny działają poprzez zakłócanie ścieżek sygnalizacyjnych komórek, hamowanie prawidłowego funkcjonowania komórek i ostatecznie wyłączenie układu odpornościowego gospodarza.¹⁵ Bakteria B. anthracis, podobnie jak inne patogeny, wymaga uszkodzenia tkanek do zakażenia – przetrwalniki muszą wniknąć do organizmu przez uszkodzoną skórę, układ oddechowy lub pokarmowy, aby wywołać chorobę.¹⁶

Cykl życiowy bakterii

Cykl życiowy B. anthracis jest kluczowy dla zrozumienia epidemiologii wąglika:¹⁷

Bakteria występuje w dwóch formach: wegetatywnej (aktywnie rosnącej) i przetrwalnikowej (uśpionej)
Przetrwalniki tworzą się, gdy bakterie wegetatywne są narażone na tlen, np. gdy zakażone zwierzę umiera, a jego tkanki są narażone na kontakt z powietrzem
Przetrwalniki mogą pozostawać uśpione w glebie przez wiele lat, choć istnieją dowody sugerujące, że mogą również powracać do formy wegetatywnej w sprzyjających warunkach glebowych
Po dostaniu się do organizmu gospodarza (zwierzęcia lub człowieka), przetrwalniki przekształcają się w aktywną formę wegetatywną i rozpoczynają namnażanie

¹⁸¹⁹

Po wniknięciu do organizmu, przetrwalniki wąglika są aktywowane przez kontakt z płynami ustrojowymi. Bakterie wegetatywne namnażają się i rozprzestrzeniają po całym organizmie, wytwarzając toksyny, które powodują objawy chorobowe.²⁰²¹ Bakterie po namnożeniu mogą przez krew rozprzestrzeniać się do innych narządów, w tym opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych, co prowadzi do zapalenia opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych.²²

Środowiskowe czynniki wpływające na występowanie wąglika

Wąglik występuje naturalnie w glebie na całym świecie, a jego epidemiologia jest ściśle związana z czynnikami środowiskowymi.²³²⁴

Warunki glebowe sprzyjające przetrwaniu przetrwalników

Istnieje kilka kluczowych czynników glebowych, które sprzyjają przetrwaniu przetrwalników B. anthracis:²⁵

Wysokie pH gleby – zasadowa gleba jest bardziej sprzyjająca dla przetrwania przetrwalników wąglika. Przekonanie o związku wysokiego pH gleby z korzystnymi miejscami dla utrzymania wąglika sięga co najmniej oświadczenia Higginsa (1916), że odpowiednia gleba musi być lekko zasadowa
Wysoka zawartość wapnia – obecność wapnia w glebie jest związana z miejscami korzystnymi dla wąglika. Związek wapnia i miejsc korzystnych dla wąglika został rozpoznany w Federacji Rosyjskiej ponad sto lat temu w ramach koncepcji czarnoziemu, procesu kalcyfikacji gleby z podłoża bogatego w wapń
Suchość – suche warunki wydają się najbardziej sprzyjać długiemu przetrwaniu przetrwalników

²⁶²⁷

Przetrwalniki wąglika wymagają zasadowych warunków do przeżycia, więc miejsca, które naturalnie mają gleby zasadowe, są bardziej narażone na ryzyko.²⁸ Gleby o wysokiej zawartości azotu, spowodowanej rozkładem roślinności, również sprzyjają przetrwaniu przetrwalników.²⁹

Wpływ warunków klimatycznych

Warunki klimatyczne mają istotny wpływ na występowanie ognisk wąglika:³⁰

Powodzie i susze – idealne warunki dla wybuchu epidemii wąglika to obfite deszcze lub powodzie wiosną, które wynoszą przetrwalniki na powierzchnię, a następnie susza, która powoduje, że bydło pasie się blisko ziemi i pobiera przetrwalniki
Temperatura – wąglik występuje przede wszystkim w glebach o temperaturze przekraczającej 15,5°C (60°F)
Sezonowość – epidemie wąglika najczęściej występują w środku lata, gdy zwierzęta gospodarskie są na pastwisku, szczególnie podczas przejść między okresami skrajnej suszy a obfitymi deszczami

³¹³²³³

Szybkość i zakres sporulacji przez komórki wegetatywne uwolnione z zakażonych zwierząt są złożone i zależą od warunków środowiskowych, w których się znajdują.³⁴ Przetrwalniki mogą kiełkować poza organizmem zwierzęcia, jeśli warunki na to pozwalają, choć rzadkość naturalnego cyklu środowiskowego nie jest powszechnie akceptowana. Kaufmann (1990) uważał, że pewne cechy naturalnie występującego wąglika są lepiej wyjaśnione przez wzorzec namnażania się B. anthracis w glebie niż przez zwykłe przetrwanie przetrwalników.³⁵

Niedawne zakłócenia gleby, takie jak kopanie lub powodzie, mogą zwiększyć podejrzenie wąglika, ponieważ przetrwalniki mogły zostać niedawno wyniesione na powierzchnię.³⁶ Z tego powodu praktyki zarządzania, takie jak nadmierne wypasanie, korzystanie z niedawno zalanych pastwisk oraz niewłaściwa ocena i utylizacja martwych zwierząt, mogą również zwiększyć narażenie na przetrwalniki wąglika i należy ich unikać.³⁷

Drogi zakażenia wąglikiem

Wąglik może zakażać zarówno zwierzęta, jak i ludzi poprzez różne drogi, przy czym każda droga prowadzi do innej postaci klinicznej choroby.³⁸³⁹

Zakażenie u zwierząt

Zwierzęta, szczególnie roślinożerne takie jak bydło, owce, kozy i dzikie przeżuwacze, są najbardziej podatne na wąglik.⁴⁰⁴¹ Zakażenie u zwierząt następuje głównie poprzez:

Spożycie – zwierzęta najczęściej zarażają się wąglikiem poprzez spożycie przetrwalników podczas wypasu na skażonych pastwiskach
Wdychanie – zwierzęta mogą wdychać przetrwalniki z zakurzonych pastwisk, szczególnie podczas suszy
Kontakt ze skórą – przetrwalniki mogą wniknąć przez uszkodzoną skórę lub rany

⁴²⁴³

Większość zakażeń u zwierząt gospodarskich występuje poprzez wdychanie lub spożycie przetrwalników z pastwiska skażonego przez rozkładające się, zakażone zwłoki.⁴⁴ Wąglik u zwierząt prowadzi zazwyczaj do nagłej śmierci z powodu ostrej lub nadostrej posocznicy i wycieku niezakrzepłej krwi z naturalnych otworów.⁴⁵

Zakażenie u ludzi

Ludzie mogą zarazić się wąglikiem na kilka sposobów:⁴⁶⁴⁷

Kontakt skórny (wąglik skórny) – najczęstsza postać zakażenia u ludzi, występuje, gdy przetrwalniki wnikają przez uszkodzoną skórę podczas kontaktu z zakażonymi zwierzętami lub ich produktami (skórami, wełną)
Wdychanie (wąglik płucny) – najcięższa forma choroby, występuje, gdy przetrwalniki są wdychane do płuc
Spożycie (wąglik jelitowy) – występuje po spożyciu surowego lub niedogotowanego mięsa zawierającego przetrwalniki
Iniekcja (wąglik iniekcyjny) – rzadka forma, rozpoznana u osób wstrzykujących heroinę w północnej Europie

⁴⁸⁴⁹⁵⁰

Wąglik skórny stanowi ponad 95% wszystkich przypadków u ludzi.⁵¹ Wąglik płucny jest najrzadszy, ale również najbardziej śmiertelny, z szacowaną śmiertelnością sięgającą 80-100% bez skutecznego leczenia.⁵²⁵³

Osoby pracujące w określonych zawodach są bardziej narażone na zakażenie wąglikiem:⁵⁴

Pracownicy rolni mający kontakt z zakażonymi zwierzętami
Pracownicy przemysłu skórzanego i wełnianego
Weterynarze
Personel laboratoryjny pracujący z B. anthracis
Pracownicy zajmujący się utylizacją zakażonych zwłok zwierząt

⁵⁵⁵⁶

Transmisja wąglika

Istotne jest zrozumienie, że wąglik ma bardzo specyficzny wzorzec transmisji:⁵⁷

Wąglik jest chorobą odzwierzęcą – człowiek zaraża się od zwierząt, nie ma przypadków bezpośredniej transmisji z człowieka na człowieka
Brak przenoszenia przez kontakt – pacjent zakażony wąglikiem nie jest zakaźny dla innych osób, ani jego wydzieliny ustrojowe, ani krew nie przenoszą zakażenia
Przetrwalniki jako źródło zakażenia – głównym mechanizmem zakażenia jest kontakt z przetrwalnikami pochodzącymi ze środowiska lub produktów zwierzęcych

⁵⁸⁵⁹⁶⁰

Liczba przetrwalników niezbędna do wywołania zakażenia zależy od drogi narażenia. Szacuje się, że do wywołania zakażenia wdychanego potrzeba około 10 000 przetrwalników.⁶¹ Co ważne, nawet narażenie na przetrwalniki wąglika niekoniecznie oznacza, że rozwinie się zakażenie.⁶²

Wąglik jako broń biologiczna

Ze względu na swoje właściwości, Bacillus anthracis jest uznawany za potencjalnego czynnika do użycia jako broń biologiczna.⁶³⁶⁴

Cechy predysponujące B. anthracis do użycia jako broni biologicznej

Kilka unikalnych cech bakterii sprawia, że wąglik jest potencjalnym zagrożeniem bioterrorystycznym:⁶⁵

Przetrwalniki bakteryjne są powszechnie występujące w środowisku
Przetrwalniki mogą być wytwarzane w laboratorium
Przetrwalniki mogą przetrwać długi czas w środowisku
Przetrwalniki mogą być umieszczone w proszku, spray’ach, żywności i wodzie
Są tak małe, że nie można ich zobaczyć, wyczuć ani posmakować
Wysoka śmiertelność, szczególnie w przypadku wąglika płucnego

⁶⁶⁶⁷

Przetrwalniki zostały przygotowane w formie bardzo drobnego proszku (uzbrojone) do użycia jako czynniki wojny i bioterroryzmu. W atakach bioterrorystycznych z 2001 roku przetrwalniki były rozprzestrzeniane w kopertach dostarczanych za pośrednictwem Poczty Stanów Zjednoczonych.⁶⁸⁶⁹ W atakach tych doszło do 22 przypadków wąglika, w tym pięciu zgonów.⁷⁰

Klasyfikacja zagrożenia

Centra Kontroli i Prewencji Chorób (CDC) klasyfikują wąglik jako czynnik kategorii A o wysokim priorytecie pod względem zagrożenia bioterrorystycznego.⁷¹⁷² Ta klasyfikacja wynika z faktu, że:

Jest łatwy do rozprzestrzeniania (szerzenia)
Może powodować szerokie choroby i śmierć
Wymaga specjalnych działań w zakresie gotowości zdrowia publicznego

⁷³

Niedawno odkryto również, że niektóre szczepy Bacillus cereus posiadają plazmidy podobne do pXO1 i pXO2 występujące u B. anthracis i mogą wywoływać chorobę podobną do wąglika. Te izolaty nazwano B. cereus biovar anthracis, lub Bcbva. Ze względu na potencjał wywoływania śmiertelnego wąglika, te izolaty zostały niedawno skategoryzowane jako czynniki selekcjonowane przez CDC.⁷⁴

Mimo obaw związanych z potencjalnym wykorzystaniem wąglika jako broni biologicznej, prawdopodobieństwo, że jednostka lub grupa terrorystyczna mogłaby przygotować i rozprzestrzenić wąglik w krajach rozwiniętych, jest uważane za niskie.⁷⁵ Do zarażenia wąglikiem wdychanym musi zostać uwolniona bardzo duża liczba przetrwalników, a ponadto trudno jest stworzyć formę wąglika, która mogłaby zostać rozproszona w powietrzu, ponieważ przetrwalniki mają naturalną tendencję do zlepiania się i nie pozostawania w powietrzu. Warunki środowiskowe (tj. ruch powietrza i wilgotność) muszą być również dokładne.⁷⁶

Molekularne mechanizmy patogenezy

Patogeneza wąglika obejmuje złożone interakcje między bakterią a układem odpornościowym gospodarza.⁷⁷⁷⁸

Proces zakażenia i rozprzestrzeniania się bakterii

Proces zakażenia wąglikiem przebiega w kilku etapach:⁷⁹

Po wniknięciu do organizmu, przetrwalniki kiełkują wewnątrz makrofagów
Zakażone makrofagi migrują do regionalnych węzłów chłonnych, gdzie bakterie namnażają się
Bakterie mogą następnie przedostać się do krwiobiegu, powodując bakteriemię
Bakteriemia występuje w prawie wszystkich przypadkach śmiertelnych i może prowadzić do zajęcia opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych

⁸⁰

W przypadku wąglika skórnego bakterie wnikają przez uszkodzoną skórę, podczas gdy w wągliku płucnym przetrwalniki są wdychane i osadzają się w pęcherzykach płucnych, gdzie są fagocytowane przez makrofagi. Wewnątrz makrofagów przetrwalniki przekształcają się w komórki wegetatywne, które następnie uwalniają się i namnażają.⁸¹

Toksyny wąglika i ich mechanizmy działania

Toksyny wąglika są kluczowymi czynnikami wirulencji B. anthracis i składają się z trzech białek:⁸²⁸³

Antygen ochronny (PA) – umożliwia wejście pozostałych składników toksyny do komórek
Czynnik letalny (LF) – w połączeniu z PA tworzy toksynę letalną
Czynnik obrzękowy (EF) – w połączeniu z PA tworzy toksynę obrzękową

⁸⁴

Toksyna letalna jest najważniejszym pojedynczym czynnikiem wirulencji i główną przyczyną śmierci w zakażeniu wąglikiem.⁸⁵ Działa ona poprzez zakłócanie ścieżek sygnalizacyjnych komórek, co prowadzi do zaburzenia funkcji komórkowych i ostatecznie do śmierci komórki.⁸⁶

Toksyna obrzękowa i toksyna letalna hamują fagocytozę i funkcję neutrofilów wielojądrzastych (PMN), co umożliwia bakteriom uniknięcie odpowiedzi immunologicznej gospodarza.⁸⁷ Zdolność bakterii do wytwarzania otoczki antyfagocytarnej składającej się z kwasu poli-D-glutaminowego również przyczynia się do jej wirulencji, chroniąc ją przed fagocytozą.⁸⁸

Uważa się również, że warstwa S bakterii pomaga otoczce w unikaniu obrony gospodarza, chociaż jej funkcje nie są jeszcze całkowicie zrozumiane.⁸⁹ Te mechanizmy molekularne wyjaśniają, dlaczego wąglik może szybko rozprzestrzeniać się w organizmie i powodować ciężkie objawy kliniczne, szczególnie w przypadku wąglika płucnego i jelitowego.

Odporność na wąglik

Odporność na wąglik po zakażeniu lub szczepieniu jest złożona i zależy od różnych czynników.⁹⁰

Naturalna odporność po przebyciu choroby

Ograniczone dane sugerują, że wąglik skórny nie prowadzi do nabycia odporności, szczególnie jeśli we wczesnej fazie zastosowano skuteczną terapię przeciwdrobnoustrojową.⁹¹ Wąglik inhalacyjny może zapewnić pewną odporność u pacjentów, którzy przeżyli, ale dane są bardzo ograniczone.⁹²

Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, powrót do zdrowia po łagodnym narażeniu na chorobę może zapewnić odporność, ale jej stopień i czas trwania są niepewne.⁹³ W praktyce klinicznej zakłada się, że przebycie choroby nie zapewnia długotrwałej ochrony przed ponownym zakażeniem.

Odporność indukowana szczepionką

Szczepienie przeciwko wąglikowi jest skuteczną metodą zapobiegania chorobie:⁹⁴

Szczepionka dla ludzi – jedyna licencjonowana szczepionka przeciwko wąglikowi w Stanach Zjednoczonych to szczepionka adsorbowana przeciwko wąglikowi (AVA, znana również jako BioThrax)
Skuteczność – szczepionka AVA wykazała zdolność do zapobiegania chorobie wąglikowej, zarówno skórnej, jak i inhalacyjnej
Mechanizm działania – szczepionka stosowana w Stanach Zjednoczonych nie zawiera komórek B. anthracis i nie powoduje wąglika

⁹⁵⁹⁶⁹⁷

Produkcja szczepionki przeciwko wąglikowi wykorzystuje nieśmiercionośny (niepatogenny) szczep Bacillus anthracis do wytworzenia białka antygenu ochronnego (PA) wąglika.⁹⁸ Najlepsza ochrona przed wąglikiem jest zapewniana przez kombinację szczepionki i antybiotyków.⁹⁹

CDC zaleca, aby szczepionka przeciwko wąglikowi była podawana wraz z profilaktyką antybiotykową pacjentom narażonym na przetrwalniki wąglika.¹⁰⁰ Ta kombinacja zapewnia zarówno natychmiastową ochronę (antybiotyki), jak i długoterminową odporność (szczepionka).

Podsumowanie etiologii wąglika

Wąglik jest poważną chorobą zakaźną wywoływaną przez bakterię Bacillus anthracis, która ma zdolność tworzenia wysoce odpornych przetrwalników mogących przetrwać w środowisku przez dziesięciolecia.¹⁰¹¹⁰² Bakteria ta posiada kilka kluczowych czynników wirulencji, w tym otoczkę antyfagocytarną i potężne toksyny, które są odpowiedzialne za objawy chorobowe i wysoką śmiertelność w nieleczonych przypadkach.¹⁰³

Zakażenie wąglikiem występuje, gdy przetrwalniki wnikają do organizmu przez uszkodzoną skórę, są wdychane do płuc lub spożywane z zakażonym mięsem.¹⁰⁴ Choroba ta najczęściej dotyka zwierzęta roślinożerne, ale może również infekować ludzi, którzy mają kontakt z zakażonymi zwierzętami lub ich produktami.¹⁰⁵

Środowiskowe czynniki, takie jak pH gleby, zawartość wapnia i warunki klimatyczne, wpływają na przetrwanie przetrwalników i występowanie ognisk choroby.¹⁰⁶¹⁰⁷ Ze względu na swoje właściwości, wąglik jest również uznawany za potencjalny czynnik bioterrorystyczny, chociaż naturalne przypadki choroby są obecnie rzadkie w krajach rozwiniętych.¹⁰⁸

Zrozumienie etiologii wąglika, w tym cyklu życiowego bakterii, jej czynników wirulencji i mechanizmów patogenezy, jest kluczowe dla skutecznej diagnostyki, leczenia i zapobiegania tej potencjalnie śmiertelnej chorobie.¹⁰⁹¹¹⁰

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Materiały źródłowe

#1 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the spore forming Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (see chapter 6), the only obligate pathogen in the large genus Bacillus. […] It is very largely through the uptake of spores from the environment that anthrax is contracted. […] The ability of anthrax spores to persist in the soil and other environments for decades is legendary. […] The rate and extent of sporulation by vegetative cells shed from infected animals is affected in a complex manner by the environmental conditions into which they fall. […] Spores will germinate outside an animal if conditions permit. […] The rarity of environmental cycling is not universally accepted and Kaufmann (1990) believed that certain features of naturally-occurring anthrax are better explained by a pattern of Bacillus anthracis multiplication in soil than by mere persistence of spores.
#2 Anthrax – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507773/
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by an encapsulated, spore-forming, gram-variable bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. […] The bacteria Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax. […] Bacillus anthracis is environmentally stable in spore form and may contaminate soil worldwide, resulting in infections of herbivores while grazing. […] Human transmission occurs via contact with infected animals through butchering and working with hides or ingestion of raw or undercooked meat. […] Anthrax is acquired from animals; there are no reports of direct human to human transmission.
#3 Anthrax: Cause, Symptoms, Diagnosis
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/what-is-anthrax
Anthrax is an infectious disease thats caused by bacteria. Its very rare in the United States, but it can be very serious. […] Anthrax is caused by a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Again, its rare in the United States, but it can live in the soil. […] The bacteria make spores, which are a form of the bacteria that live in a protective shell. These spores can survive for a long time, even years, in soil. You can get anthrax if spores get into your body, break open and release the bacteria, which make toxins (poison) that harm you.
#4 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the spore forming Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (see chapter 6), the only obligate pathogen in the large genus Bacillus. […] It is very largely through the uptake of spores from the environment that anthrax is contracted. […] The ability of anthrax spores to persist in the soil and other environments for decades is legendary. […] The rate and extent of sporulation by vegetative cells shed from infected animals is affected in a complex manner by the environmental conditions into which they fall. […] Spores will germinate outside an animal if conditions permit. […] The rarity of environmental cycling is not universally accepted and Kaufmann (1990) believed that certain features of naturally-occurring anthrax are better explained by a pattern of Bacillus anthracis multiplication in soil than by mere persistence of spores.
#5 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#6 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#7 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Anthrax is caused by the gram-positive Bacillus anthracis, which are toxin-producing, encapsulated, facultative anaerobic organisms. […] Anthrax is an important domestic animal disease, occurring in goats, cattle, sheep, and horses. […] However, the potential use of anthrax as a biological weapon has increased fear of this pathogen. […] Spores have been prepared in very finely powdered form (weaponized) to be used as agents of warfare and bioterrorism; in anthrax bioattacks of 2001, spores were spread in envelopes delivered via the United States Postal Service. […] Human infection can be acquired by cutaneous contact (most common), ingestion, inhalation, or injection. […] Cutaneous infection is usually acquired by contact with infected animals, spore-contaminated animal products, or soil-containing spores or rarely by injection from contaminated heroin in injection drug users.
#8 Anthrax–Life Cycle
https://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/sosarafova/assets/bio307/javaron/life%20cycle.html
The S-layer is thought to aid the capsule in evading host defenses, though its functions are not yet completely understood (4). […] Anthrax exists in both a vegetative and spore state. […] The spores are elliptical in shape (4), and resistant to heat, drying, ultraviolet light, and gamma radiation (1). […] Anthrax spores form when vegetative bacteria is exposed to oxygen (2,5). […] Once sporulation occurs, the spores can lay dormant in the soil for several years, although evidence suggests that spores vegetate in soil under favorable conditions (3).
#9 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Inhalation anthrax may provide some immunity in patients who survive, but data are very limited. […] The virulence of B. anthracis is due to its antiphagocytic capsule, toxins (factors), and rapid replication capability. […] The predominant toxins are edema toxin and lethal toxin. […] Mortality is rare with treatment, but the lesion will progress through the eschar phase. […] Inhalation and other forms of anthrax, including cutaneous anthrax with significant edema or systemic symptoms, require therapy with 3 antibiotics. […] Drug resistance is a concern. […] Viable spores have been detected in the lungs after aerosol exposure. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the anthrax vaccine be administered with antibiotic prophylaxis to patients exposed to anthrax spores. […] Raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab are monoclonal antibodies indicated for prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate.
#10 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#11 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#12 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Inhalation anthrax may provide some immunity in patients who survive, but data are very limited. […] The virulence of B. anthracis is due to its antiphagocytic capsule, toxins (factors), and rapid replication capability. […] The predominant toxins are edema toxin and lethal toxin. […] Mortality is rare with treatment, but the lesion will progress through the eschar phase. […] Inhalation and other forms of anthrax, including cutaneous anthrax with significant edema or systemic symptoms, require therapy with 3 antibiotics. […] Drug resistance is a concern. […] Viable spores have been detected in the lungs after aerosol exposure. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the anthrax vaccine be administered with antibiotic prophylaxis to patients exposed to anthrax spores. […] Raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab are monoclonal antibodies indicated for prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate.
#13 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#14 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#15 Anthrax: Causes, treatments, and risks
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37557
Anthrax is caused by infection with Bacillus anthracis, a hardy, spore-forming bacterium that can survive in extreme conditions for a long time. The bacterium is highly toxic. […] Anthrax infection happens when the bacterium B. anthracis enters the body through inhaling, swallowing, injecting, or through skin contact. […] Anthrax spores are resistant to many environmental stresses and normally lie dormant. If they enter the body of a person or an animal, they can develop into active growing cells, due to the presence of water, sugars, and other nutrients. […] Once active, the bacteria multiply throughout the body, creating toxins that can cause severe illness. […] Anthrax consists of three proteins. None of these proteins is toxic on its own, but combined, they can make a lethal mix, disrupting cellular signaling pathways and stopping cells from working properly, shutting down the hosts immune system, and leading to death.
#16 Anthrax – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health
https://www.woah.org/en/disease/anthrax/
Anthrax is a disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. […] The bacteria produce extremely potent toxins, which are responsible for the ill effects. Anthrax spores are extremely resistant and can survive in the environment for decades, making the control or eradication of the disease very difficult. […] Bacillus anthracis is not invasive and requires a lesion to infect. The spores enter the body through cuts or scratches in the skin and cause a local infection that if not controlled may spread throughout the body. […] The digestive form occurs when the spores are eaten. […] Potentially the most deadly form is by inhalation. […] Anthrax is diagnosed by examining blood (or other tissues) for the presence of the bacteria. […] In addition to antibiotic therapy and immunisation, specific control procedures are necessary to contain the disease and prevent its spread. […] Vaccination in endemic areas is very important. […] Though anthrax is quite susceptible to antibiotic therapy, the clinical course is often so rapid that there may not be the opportunity to treat affected animals.
#17 Anthrax–Life Cycle
https://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/sosarafova/assets/bio307/javaron/life%20cycle.html
The S-layer is thought to aid the capsule in evading host defenses, though its functions are not yet completely understood (4). […] Anthrax exists in both a vegetative and spore state. […] The spores are elliptical in shape (4), and resistant to heat, drying, ultraviolet light, and gamma radiation (1). […] Anthrax spores form when vegetative bacteria is exposed to oxygen (2,5). […] Once sporulation occurs, the spores can lay dormant in the soil for several years, although evidence suggests that spores vegetate in soil under favorable conditions (3).
#18 Anthrax–Life Cycle
https://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/sosarafova/assets/bio307/javaron/life%20cycle.html
The S-layer is thought to aid the capsule in evading host defenses, though its functions are not yet completely understood (4). […] Anthrax exists in both a vegetative and spore state. […] The spores are elliptical in shape (4), and resistant to heat, drying, ultraviolet light, and gamma radiation (1). […] Anthrax spores form when vegetative bacteria is exposed to oxygen (2,5). […] Once sporulation occurs, the spores can lay dormant in the soil for several years, although evidence suggests that spores vegetate in soil under favorable conditions (3).
#19 Anthrax and Livestock
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/B120/index.html
Anthrax is a disease of warm-blooded animals, including humans, most livestock, and some wildlife species. It is caused by the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis. […] The anthrax bacteria are found in two forms, the vegetative state and the spore state. The vegetative state, which is the growing, reproducing form found in infected animals, actually causes the disease. […] Anthrax primarily occurs in alkaline soils with high nitrogen levels caused by decaying vegetation, alternating periods of rain and drought, and temperatures in excess of 60F. […] It is not well understood why the disease suddenly reappears, but it probably occurs in response to environmental changes. […] In domestic animals, specific treatment is indicated in all clinical cases. Treatment is recommended even in advanced cases that may terminate in death because treatment will greatly reduce, if not terminate, the infecting load of bacteria, thereby reducing possible subsequent contamination of the environment. […] Yes. However, spores in the soil generally are not ingested or inhaled by humans. […] This probably is an ineffective way of spreading anthrax to humans. Animal-to-animal is not a primary method of transmission. The general method is by inhaling or ingesting spores.
#20 Anthrax (Bacillus Anthracis): Symptoms & Causes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10853-anthrax
Bacillus anthracis bacteria cause anthrax, a rare, potentially fatal disease and a potential bioterrorism threat. […] Anthrax (pronounced AN-thraks) is an infectious disease caused by exposure to Bacillus anthracis bacteria. […] Bacillus anthracis bacteria cause anthrax. The bacteria produce spores that can live in the ground for years. […] After mixing with bodily fluids, anthrax bacteria activate, multiply and spread throughout your body. The bacteria cause a toxic, potentially deadly reaction. The same process happens to people who inhale, ingest or come into skin contact with the spores. […] A bioterrorism anthrax attack using anthrax spores is a possibility. […] For these reasons, inhalation anthrax is considered a potential bioterrorism threat.
#21 What Is Anthrax and What Makes It Toxic to Humans?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/anthrax-7482093
Anthrax spores can be turned into a powder. These spores float in the air and can be inhaled. This type of anthrax has been used as a bioterror weapon and can be deadly. […] When anthrax spores enter the body, they are activated and no longer dormant. They then multiply, spread in the body, and make toxins that can make you sick. […] The signs of anthrax poisoning differ based on how you’ve come into contact with anthrax. All types of anthrax can be deadly if the infection spreads throughout the body. […] Inhaling anthrax spores causes severe symptoms and can be deadly. You may breathe in these spores from the dirt while processing an animal product like wool or a weaponized powder. […] Symptoms of ingested anthrax include: Fever, chills, or headache; Swelling of neck or neck glands; Sore throat, hoarseness, and pain when swallowing; Nausea and vomiting, especially bloody vomiting; Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea; Red face and eyes; Fainting; A swollen, bloated stomach that may be painful. […] A healthcare provider will treat anthrax infection with antibiotics and antitoxins. With treatment, most people with anthrax will survive. Without treatment, anthrax infections can be deadly.
#22 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Gastrointestinal (including oropharyngeal) infection may occur after ingestion of inadequately cooked meat containing the vegetative forms of the organism, usually when a break in the pharyngeal or intestinal mucosa facilitates invasion. […] Pulmonary infection (inhalation anthrax), caused by inhaling spores, is almost always due to occupational exposure to contaminated animal products (eg, hides) and is often fatal. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax and inhalation anthrax are not transmitted from person to person. […] After entering the body, spores germinate inside macrophages, which migrate to regional lymph nodes where the bacteria multiply. […] Bacteremia may occur in any form of anthrax and occurs in nearly all fatal cases; meningeal involvement is common. […] Limited data suggest that cutaneous anthrax does not result in acquired immunity, particularly if early effective antimicrobial therapy was used.
#23 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the spore forming Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (see chapter 6), the only obligate pathogen in the large genus Bacillus. […] It is very largely through the uptake of spores from the environment that anthrax is contracted. […] The ability of anthrax spores to persist in the soil and other environments for decades is legendary. […] The rate and extent of sporulation by vegetative cells shed from infected animals is affected in a complex manner by the environmental conditions into which they fall. […] Spores will germinate outside an animal if conditions permit. […] The rarity of environmental cycling is not universally accepted and Kaufmann (1990) believed that certain features of naturally-occurring anthrax are better explained by a pattern of Bacillus anthracis multiplication in soil than by mere persistence of spores.
#24 Anthrax – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507773/
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by an encapsulated, spore-forming, gram-variable bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. […] The bacteria Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax. […] Bacillus anthracis is environmentally stable in spore form and may contaminate soil worldwide, resulting in infections of herbivores while grazing. […] Human transmission occurs via contact with infected animals through butchering and working with hides or ingestion of raw or undercooked meat. […] Anthrax is acquired from animals; there are no reports of direct human to human transmission.
#25 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
The belief of an association of high soil pH with favourable sites for anthrax persistence dates back to at least the statement of Higgins (1916) that a suitable soil must be slightly alkaline. […] The association of calcium and anthrax favourable sites seems to have been recognized in the Russian Federation over a century ago within the chernozem concept, the process of soil calcification from an underlying calciferous parent material. […] The ability of anthrax spores to remain viable for very long periods has become almost legendary but there is little well-documented information on this. […] The condition that appears most to favour long survival is dryness.
#26 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
The belief of an association of high soil pH with favourable sites for anthrax persistence dates back to at least the statement of Higgins (1916) that a suitable soil must be slightly alkaline. […] The association of calcium and anthrax favourable sites seems to have been recognized in the Russian Federation over a century ago within the chernozem concept, the process of soil calcification from an underlying calciferous parent material. […] The ability of anthrax spores to remain viable for very long periods has become almost legendary but there is little well-documented information on this. […] The condition that appears most to favour long survival is dryness.
#27 Anthrax – BeefResearch.ca
https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/anthrax/
Anthrax spores require alkaline conditions to survive, so locations that naturally have alkaline soils are at a higher risk. […] The perfect storm for an anthrax outbreak is a heavy rain or flooding in the spring to bring spores to the surface, and then a drought later on which cause cattle to graze close to the ground and pick them up. […] Anthrax has occurred almost worldwide. […] There is about 20% mortality if untreated; mortality is rare if treated with antibiotics.
#28 Anthrax – BeefResearch.ca
https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/anthrax/
Anthrax spores require alkaline conditions to survive, so locations that naturally have alkaline soils are at a higher risk. […] The perfect storm for an anthrax outbreak is a heavy rain or flooding in the spring to bring spores to the surface, and then a drought later on which cause cattle to graze close to the ground and pick them up. […] Anthrax has occurred almost worldwide. […] There is about 20% mortality if untreated; mortality is rare if treated with antibiotics.
#29 Anthrax and Livestock
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/B120/index.html
Anthrax is a disease of warm-blooded animals, including humans, most livestock, and some wildlife species. It is caused by the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis. […] The anthrax bacteria are found in two forms, the vegetative state and the spore state. The vegetative state, which is the growing, reproducing form found in infected animals, actually causes the disease. […] Anthrax primarily occurs in alkaline soils with high nitrogen levels caused by decaying vegetation, alternating periods of rain and drought, and temperatures in excess of 60F. […] It is not well understood why the disease suddenly reappears, but it probably occurs in response to environmental changes. […] In domestic animals, specific treatment is indicated in all clinical cases. Treatment is recommended even in advanced cases that may terminate in death because treatment will greatly reduce, if not terminate, the infecting load of bacteria, thereby reducing possible subsequent contamination of the environment. […] Yes. However, spores in the soil generally are not ingested or inhaled by humans. […] This probably is an ineffective way of spreading anthrax to humans. Animal-to-animal is not a primary method of transmission. The general method is by inhaling or ingesting spores.
#30 Anthrax – BeefResearch.ca
https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/anthrax/
Anthrax spores require alkaline conditions to survive, so locations that naturally have alkaline soils are at a higher risk. […] The perfect storm for an anthrax outbreak is a heavy rain or flooding in the spring to bring spores to the surface, and then a drought later on which cause cattle to graze close to the ground and pick them up. […] Anthrax has occurred almost worldwide. […] There is about 20% mortality if untreated; mortality is rare if treated with antibiotics.
#31 Anthrax – BeefResearch.ca
https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/anthrax/
Anthrax spores require alkaline conditions to survive, so locations that naturally have alkaline soils are at a higher risk. […] The perfect storm for an anthrax outbreak is a heavy rain or flooding in the spring to bring spores to the surface, and then a drought later on which cause cattle to graze close to the ground and pick them up. […] Anthrax has occurred almost worldwide. […] There is about 20% mortality if untreated; mortality is rare if treated with antibiotics.
#32 Province of Manitoba | agriculture – Anthrax
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/print,anthrax.html
Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores that can survive in the soil for decades. […] Animals become infected by eating contaminated soil or forages and/or breathing in contaminated dust. […] Anthrax outbreaks typically occur in the middle of summer when livestock are on pasture, especially during transitions between extreme dry periods and heavy rain. […] Grazing animals, such as cattle, bison, sheep, goats and elk, are the most susceptible to anthrax. […] Although all mammals can be infected with anthrax, horses and swine are less susceptible than ruminants, and carnivores (ex: cats and dogs) are considered the least susceptible. […] Management practices such as overgrazing, using recently flooded pastures and improperly assessing and disposing of dead animals can also increase exposure to anthrax spores and these practices should be avoided.
#33 Anthrax and Livestock
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/B120/index.html
Anthrax is a disease of warm-blooded animals, including humans, most livestock, and some wildlife species. It is caused by the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis. […] The anthrax bacteria are found in two forms, the vegetative state and the spore state. The vegetative state, which is the growing, reproducing form found in infected animals, actually causes the disease. […] Anthrax primarily occurs in alkaline soils with high nitrogen levels caused by decaying vegetation, alternating periods of rain and drought, and temperatures in excess of 60F. […] It is not well understood why the disease suddenly reappears, but it probably occurs in response to environmental changes. […] In domestic animals, specific treatment is indicated in all clinical cases. Treatment is recommended even in advanced cases that may terminate in death because treatment will greatly reduce, if not terminate, the infecting load of bacteria, thereby reducing possible subsequent contamination of the environment. […] Yes. However, spores in the soil generally are not ingested or inhaled by humans. […] This probably is an ineffective way of spreading anthrax to humans. Animal-to-animal is not a primary method of transmission. The general method is by inhaling or ingesting spores.
#34 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the spore forming Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (see chapter 6), the only obligate pathogen in the large genus Bacillus. […] It is very largely through the uptake of spores from the environment that anthrax is contracted. […] The ability of anthrax spores to persist in the soil and other environments for decades is legendary. […] The rate and extent of sporulation by vegetative cells shed from infected animals is affected in a complex manner by the environmental conditions into which they fall. […] Spores will germinate outside an animal if conditions permit. […] The rarity of environmental cycling is not universally accepted and Kaufmann (1990) believed that certain features of naturally-occurring anthrax are better explained by a pattern of Bacillus anthracis multiplication in soil than by mere persistence of spores.
#35 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the spore forming Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (see chapter 6), the only obligate pathogen in the large genus Bacillus. […] It is very largely through the uptake of spores from the environment that anthrax is contracted. […] The ability of anthrax spores to persist in the soil and other environments for decades is legendary. […] The rate and extent of sporulation by vegetative cells shed from infected animals is affected in a complex manner by the environmental conditions into which they fall. […] Spores will germinate outside an animal if conditions permit. […] The rarity of environmental cycling is not universally accepted and Kaufmann (1990) believed that certain features of naturally-occurring anthrax are better explained by a pattern of Bacillus anthracis multiplication in soil than by mere persistence of spores.
#36 Anthrax â do we still need to worry? – Veterinary Practice
https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/anthrax
Anthrax is an often-fatal disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can affect both animals and humans and is found worldwide on all continents. […] Once in the body, anthrax spores are activated into the vegetative form of the bacteria which can then multiply and begin to produce toxins. […] Anthrax generally causes high mortality, especially in herbivores. […] The disease can present in several forms in animals. […] In GB, suspicion of anthrax is most commonly reported in the sudden death of grazing livestock. […] Conversely, if the ground has recently been flooded or dug over, this may increase suspicion of anthrax, as spores may have recently been brought to the surface. […] Animals that die of anthrax usually have large numbers of anthrax bacteria in their blood; however, B. anthracis in its vegetative form is not very resilient.
#37 Province of Manitoba | agriculture – Anthrax
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/print,anthrax.html
Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores that can survive in the soil for decades. […] Animals become infected by eating contaminated soil or forages and/or breathing in contaminated dust. […] Anthrax outbreaks typically occur in the middle of summer when livestock are on pasture, especially during transitions between extreme dry periods and heavy rain. […] Grazing animals, such as cattle, bison, sheep, goats and elk, are the most susceptible to anthrax. […] Although all mammals can be infected with anthrax, horses and swine are less susceptible than ruminants, and carnivores (ex: cats and dogs) are considered the least susceptible. […] Management practices such as overgrazing, using recently flooded pastures and improperly assessing and disposing of dead animals can also increase exposure to anthrax spores and these practices should be avoided.
#38 About Anthrax | Anthrax | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/about/index.html
Anthrax is a serious disease usually caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria. The bacteria are found naturally in soil around the world and commonly affect livestock and wild animals. […] People usually get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. […] All types of anthrax can cause death if they’re not treated with antibiotics. […] Inhalation anthrax can occur when a person breathes in anthrax spores. It’s the deadliest form of the disease. […] This type of anthrax can happen when a person eats raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal. […] Injection anthrax recently was identified in heroin-injecting drug users in northern Europe, but it hasn’t been reported in the United States. […] If someone has been exposed to the bacteria that causes anthrax, doctors may recommend anthrax vaccine, or they may recommend taking certain antibiotics to prevent anthrax from developing.
#39 Anthrax Information | Mount Sinai – New York
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/anthrax
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs. […] Anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats. Humans who come into contact with infected animals can get sick with anthrax as well. […] There are three main routes of anthrax infection: skin (cutaneous), lung (inhalation), and mouth (gastrointestinal). […] Cutaneous anthrax occurs when anthrax spores enter the body through a cut or scrape on the skin. […] Inhalation anthrax develops when anthrax spores enter the lungs through the airways. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when someone eats anthrax-tainted meat. […] Anthrax may be used as a biological weapon or for bioterrorism.
#40 Anthrax – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health
https://www.woah.org/en/disease/anthrax/
Anthrax is a disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. […] The bacteria produce extremely potent toxins, which are responsible for the ill effects. Anthrax spores are extremely resistant and can survive in the environment for decades, making the control or eradication of the disease very difficult. […] Bacillus anthracis is not invasive and requires a lesion to infect. The spores enter the body through cuts or scratches in the skin and cause a local infection that if not controlled may spread throughout the body. […] The digestive form occurs when the spores are eaten. […] Potentially the most deadly form is by inhalation. […] Anthrax is diagnosed by examining blood (or other tissues) for the presence of the bacteria. […] In addition to antibiotic therapy and immunisation, specific control procedures are necessary to contain the disease and prevent its spread. […] Vaccination in endemic areas is very important. […] Though anthrax is quite susceptible to antibiotic therapy, the clinical course is often so rapid that there may not be the opportunity to treat affected animals.
#41 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Anthrax is caused by the gram-positive Bacillus anthracis, which are toxin-producing, encapsulated, facultative anaerobic organisms. […] Anthrax is an important domestic animal disease, occurring in goats, cattle, sheep, and horses. […] However, the potential use of anthrax as a biological weapon has increased fear of this pathogen. […] Spores have been prepared in very finely powdered form (weaponized) to be used as agents of warfare and bioterrorism; in anthrax bioattacks of 2001, spores were spread in envelopes delivered via the United States Postal Service. […] Human infection can be acquired by cutaneous contact (most common), ingestion, inhalation, or injection. […] Cutaneous infection is usually acquired by contact with infected animals, spore-contaminated animal products, or soil-containing spores or rarely by injection from contaminated heroin in injection drug users.
#42 Province of Manitoba | agriculture – Anthrax
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/anthrax.html
Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores that can survive in the soil for decades. […] Animals become infected by eating contaminated soil or forages and/or breathing in contaminated dust. […] Anthrax outbreaks typically occur in the middle of summer when livestock are on pasture, especially during transitions between extreme dry periods and heavy rain. […] Grazing animals, such as cattle, bison, sheep, goats and elk, are the most susceptible to anthrax. […] Although all mammals can be infected with anthrax, horses and swine are less susceptible than ruminants, and carnivores (ex: cats and dogs) are considered the least susceptible.
#43 Anthrax in Animals – Infectious Diseases – Merck Veterinary Manual
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/infectious-diseases/anthrax/anthrax-in-animals
Anthrax is a noncontagious zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. […] Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is a large, gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming bacillus. […] After wound inoculation, ingestion, or inhalation, anthrax spores infect macrophages, germinate, and proliferate. […] The CDC High-Priority Biological Agents and Toxins list includes Bacillus anthracis in Category A (highest priority), and it has been manufactured as a biological warfare agent. […] Bacillus anthracis forms highly resistant spores that can persist in the environment for decades and infect grazing animals. […] Anthrax develops without apparent clinical signs, with sudden death due to acute or hyperacute septicemia and leakage of uncoagulated blood from natural openings.
#44 Anthrax in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anthrax-in-dogs
Anthrax is an infection caused by a bacterial microorganism called Bacillus anthracis. […] It occurs in all parts of the world as a sporadic disease in farm animals and occasionally in wild animals. […] Most livestock infections occur by inhalation or ingestion of spores from a pasture contaminated by a decomposing, infected carcass. […] The rare cases reported in pet animals have usually been the intestinal form of anthrax, caused by eating infected meat.
#45 Anthrax in Animals – Infectious Diseases – Merck Veterinary Manual
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/infectious-diseases/anthrax/anthrax-in-animals
Anthrax is a noncontagious zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. […] Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is a large, gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming bacillus. […] After wound inoculation, ingestion, or inhalation, anthrax spores infect macrophages, germinate, and proliferate. […] The CDC High-Priority Biological Agents and Toxins list includes Bacillus anthracis in Category A (highest priority), and it has been manufactured as a biological warfare agent. […] Bacillus anthracis forms highly resistant spores that can persist in the environment for decades and infect grazing animals. […] Anthrax develops without apparent clinical signs, with sudden death due to acute or hyperacute septicemia and leakage of uncoagulated blood from natural openings.
#46 Clinical Overview of Anthrax | Anthrax | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria or other Bacillus-expressing anthrax toxin. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. People can also contract anthrax if they are exposed during a bioterrorism event. […] People can contract anthrax if they: Come in contact or work with infected animals or contaminated animal products (including hides) […] Consume food or water contaminated by B. anthracis […] Are exposed to anthrax in a laboratory that handles anthrax […] Are exposed during a bioterrorism attack. […] Certain activities or occupations can also increase a person’s chances of exposure and infection to B. anthracis. […] The type of illness a person develops when they have anthrax depends on how anthrax enters the body: through the skin, lungs, or the gastrointestinal tract. All types of anthrax can eventually cause systemic illness and death without antibiotic treatment.
#47 Anthrax Information | Mount Sinai – New York
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/anthrax
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs. […] Anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats. Humans who come into contact with infected animals can get sick with anthrax as well. […] There are three main routes of anthrax infection: skin (cutaneous), lung (inhalation), and mouth (gastrointestinal). […] Cutaneous anthrax occurs when anthrax spores enter the body through a cut or scrape on the skin. […] Inhalation anthrax develops when anthrax spores enter the lungs through the airways. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when someone eats anthrax-tainted meat. […] Anthrax may be used as a biological weapon or for bioterrorism.
#48 About Anthrax | Anthrax | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/about/index.html
Anthrax is a serious disease usually caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria. The bacteria are found naturally in soil around the world and commonly affect livestock and wild animals. […] People usually get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. […] All types of anthrax can cause death if they’re not treated with antibiotics. […] Inhalation anthrax can occur when a person breathes in anthrax spores. It’s the deadliest form of the disease. […] This type of anthrax can happen when a person eats raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal. […] Injection anthrax recently was identified in heroin-injecting drug users in northern Europe, but it hasn’t been reported in the United States. […] If someone has been exposed to the bacteria that causes anthrax, doctors may recommend anthrax vaccine, or they may recommend taking certain antibiotics to prevent anthrax from developing.
#49 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Anthrax is caused by the gram-positive Bacillus anthracis, which are toxin-producing, encapsulated, facultative anaerobic organisms. […] Anthrax is an important domestic animal disease, occurring in goats, cattle, sheep, and horses. […] However, the potential use of anthrax as a biological weapon has increased fear of this pathogen. […] Spores have been prepared in very finely powdered form (weaponized) to be used as agents of warfare and bioterrorism; in anthrax bioattacks of 2001, spores were spread in envelopes delivered via the United States Postal Service. […] Human infection can be acquired by cutaneous contact (most common), ingestion, inhalation, or injection. […] Cutaneous infection is usually acquired by contact with infected animals, spore-contaminated animal products, or soil-containing spores or rarely by injection from contaminated heroin in injection drug users.
#50 Anthrax: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001325.htm
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs. […] Anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats. Humans who come into contact with infected animals can get sick with anthrax as well. […] There are three main routes of anthrax infection: skin (cutaneous), lung (inhalation), and mouth (gastrointestinal). […] Cutaneous anthrax occurs when anthrax spores enter the body through a cut or scrape on the skin. […] Inhalation anthrax develops when anthrax spores enter the lungs through the airways. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when someone eats anthrax-tainted meat. […] Injection anthrax can occur in someone who self-injects drugs (heroin). […] Anthrax may be used as a biological weapon or for bioterrorism.
#51 FAQ: Exposure to Anthrax
https://eportal.mountsinai.ca/Microbiology/faq/anthrfaq.shtml
Anthrax is an infection that occurs when spores from bacteria called Bacillus anthracis enter the body. People can be infected through breaks in the skin („cutaneous” or skin anthrax), by breathing in the spores („inhalation” anthrax) or by eating contaminated, poorly cooked meat (gastrointestinal anthrax). Anthrax mostly affects grazing animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, horses, deer and bison, but humans can be infected as well. […] Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals (eg South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East). Anthrax in animals is rare in North America. Humans can acquire anthrax through contact with infected animals or animal products. Anthrax is not commonly found in humans. More than 95 per cent of human cases are cutaneous.
#52 What Is Anthrax and What Makes It Toxic to Humans?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/anthrax-7482093
Anthrax spores can be turned into a powder. These spores float in the air and can be inhaled. This type of anthrax has been used as a bioterror weapon and can be deadly. […] When anthrax spores enter the body, they are activated and no longer dormant. They then multiply, spread in the body, and make toxins that can make you sick. […] The signs of anthrax poisoning differ based on how you’ve come into contact with anthrax. All types of anthrax can be deadly if the infection spreads throughout the body. […] Inhaling anthrax spores causes severe symptoms and can be deadly. You may breathe in these spores from the dirt while processing an animal product like wool or a weaponized powder. […] Symptoms of ingested anthrax include: Fever, chills, or headache; Swelling of neck or neck glands; Sore throat, hoarseness, and pain when swallowing; Nausea and vomiting, especially bloody vomiting; Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea; Red face and eyes; Fainting; A swollen, bloated stomach that may be painful. […] A healthcare provider will treat anthrax infection with antibiotics and antitoxins. With treatment, most people with anthrax will survive. Without treatment, anthrax infections can be deadly.
#53 Clinical Overview of Anthrax | Anthrax | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
Without treatment, inhalation anthrax is almost always fatal. However, with aggressive treatment, about 55 percent of patients survive. […] Without treatment, more than half of patients with gastrointestinal anthrax die. However, with proper treatment, 60 percent of patients survive. […] Severe illness can occur if treatment is delayed because the patient didn’t know they were exposed to anthrax. After anthrax toxins, which are released when anthrax spores are activated, have been released in the body, one possible treatment is anthrax antitoxin.
#54 Clinical Overview of Anthrax | Anthrax | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria or other Bacillus-expressing anthrax toxin. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. People can also contract anthrax if they are exposed during a bioterrorism event. […] People can contract anthrax if they: Come in contact or work with infected animals or contaminated animal products (including hides) […] Consume food or water contaminated by B. anthracis […] Are exposed to anthrax in a laboratory that handles anthrax […] Are exposed during a bioterrorism attack. […] Certain activities or occupations can also increase a person’s chances of exposure and infection to B. anthracis. […] The type of illness a person develops when they have anthrax depends on how anthrax enters the body: through the skin, lungs, or the gastrointestinal tract. All types of anthrax can eventually cause systemic illness and death without antibiotic treatment.
#55 Clinical Overview of Anthrax | Anthrax | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria or other Bacillus-expressing anthrax toxin. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. People can also contract anthrax if they are exposed during a bioterrorism event. […] People can contract anthrax if they: Come in contact or work with infected animals or contaminated animal products (including hides) […] Consume food or water contaminated by B. anthracis […] Are exposed to anthrax in a laboratory that handles anthrax […] Are exposed during a bioterrorism attack. […] Certain activities or occupations can also increase a person’s chances of exposure and infection to B. anthracis. […] The type of illness a person develops when they have anthrax depends on how anthrax enters the body: through the skin, lungs, or the gastrointestinal tract. All types of anthrax can eventually cause systemic illness and death without antibiotic treatment.
#56 Symptoms of Anthrax: Causes and How Itâs Diagnosed
https://www.starhealth.in/symptoms/anthrax-symptoms/
If there is one disease that is rare but should not be ignored, it is anthrax as it can be quite severe. It is caused by a spore-forming bacterium known as Bacillus anthracis which commonly infects livestock and wildlife. […] Anthrax is a relatively rare but serious infectious disease caused by ring bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. […] Anthrax is an infectious disease that is non-contagious but can be fatal if not treated appropriately. It poses a higher risk for people dealing with infected animals and laboratory workers involved in the study of the causative bacterium. […] Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, which has resilient spores that can persist in soil for many years. […] Once the anthrax spores gain entry into the body, they come in contact with body fluids get activated and start multiplying. This results in the development of toxins that disseminate throughout the organisms body, and can elicit severe life-threatening responses.
#57 Anthrax – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507773/
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by an encapsulated, spore-forming, gram-variable bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. […] The bacteria Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax. […] Bacillus anthracis is environmentally stable in spore form and may contaminate soil worldwide, resulting in infections of herbivores while grazing. […] Human transmission occurs via contact with infected animals through butchering and working with hides or ingestion of raw or undercooked meat. […] Anthrax is acquired from animals; there are no reports of direct human to human transmission.
#58 Anthrax: Causes, Dangers, Symptoms, and Treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/anthrax
While anthrax can be transmitted to humans via contact with animals, its not spread through human-to-human contact. […] The chance of death for cutaneous anthrax is 20 percent if its left untreated. […] If a person has gastrointestinal anthrax, the chances of dying are 25 to 75 percent. […] At least 80 percent of people die after inhaling anthrax without effective treatment.
#59 FAQ: Exposure to Anthrax
https://eportal.mountsinai.ca/Microbiology/faq/anthrfaq.shtml
A patient with anthrax is not infectious to other persons, nor are his/her body secretions or blood. There have been no known cases of human-to-human transmission. […] Anthrax has been put at the top of the list of „the most likely agent to be used in a bioterrorist attack.” For people to contract inhalation anthrax, a very large number of spores must be released. Not only that, it is difficult to create a form of anthrax that could be made airborne because the spores have a natural tendency to clump together and not remain in the air. The environmental conditions (i.e., air movement and humidity) must also be exact. […] If you are found to have been exposed to anthrax, it is best to take antibiotics to prevent illness. The most common form, cutaneous anthrax, is usually curable when treated with antibiotics. Inhalation anthrax has a very high mortality rate, with death usually occurring within a few days after the onset of symptoms. However, therapy is successful if initiated during the incubation period.
#60 Anthrax (malignant edema, woolsorters’ disease)
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/anthrax/fact_sheet.htm
Infection requires a break in the skin. […] The first symptoms include itching where the skin has been exposed. […] If not treated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. […] Inhalation anthrax has been very rare in the U.S. […] Inhalation anthrax is often fatal. […] This form occurs only after eating infected, undercooked meat. […] Symptoms usually develop between one and seven days after exposure but prolonged periods up to 42 days for cutaneous (skin) anthrax and 60 days for inhalation anthrax are possible, though rare. […] Inhalation (lung) anthrax is not spread from person to person. […] Anthrax is diagnosed when the Bacillus anthracis bacterium is found in the blood, skin lesions or respiratory secretions by a laboratory culture. […] There are several antibiotics that are used successfully to treat anthrax.
#61 WHAT CAUSES ANTHRAX
https://www.ph.ucla.edu/epi/bioter/layanthrax_a.html
Anthrax is caused by the organism Bacillus anthracis. In some parts of the world, this can be found in cattle or other hoofed mammals. This bacteria can form spores which can either be eaten in contaminated meat, breathed in, or simply infect the skin directly through human to animal contact. […] The second type is intestinal anthrax, caused by the consumption of contaminated meat. […] The third is respiratory (or inhalation) anthrax which happens when spores are breathed in by the patient and lodge in the lung. […] Being exposed to anthrax spores does not necessarily mean that you will develop an infection. […] It is estimated that 10,000 spores are needed to cause infection.
#62 WHAT CAUSES ANTHRAX
https://www.ph.ucla.edu/epi/bioter/layanthrax_a.html
Anthrax is caused by the organism Bacillus anthracis. In some parts of the world, this can be found in cattle or other hoofed mammals. This bacteria can form spores which can either be eaten in contaminated meat, breathed in, or simply infect the skin directly through human to animal contact. […] The second type is intestinal anthrax, caused by the consumption of contaminated meat. […] The third is respiratory (or inhalation) anthrax which happens when spores are breathed in by the patient and lodge in the lung. […] Being exposed to anthrax spores does not necessarily mean that you will develop an infection. […] It is estimated that 10,000 spores are needed to cause infection.
#63 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Anthrax is caused by the gram-positive Bacillus anthracis, which are toxin-producing, encapsulated, facultative anaerobic organisms. […] Anthrax is an important domestic animal disease, occurring in goats, cattle, sheep, and horses. […] However, the potential use of anthrax as a biological weapon has increased fear of this pathogen. […] Spores have been prepared in very finely powdered form (weaponized) to be used as agents of warfare and bioterrorism; in anthrax bioattacks of 2001, spores were spread in envelopes delivered via the United States Postal Service. […] Human infection can be acquired by cutaneous contact (most common), ingestion, inhalation, or injection. […] Cutaneous infection is usually acquired by contact with infected animals, spore-contaminated animal products, or soil-containing spores or rarely by injection from contaminated heroin in injection drug users.
#64 Anthrax: Causes, Dangers, Symptoms, and Treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/anthrax
Anthrax is a serious infectious illness caused by the microbe Bacillus anthracis. This microbe resides in soil. […] You can get anthrax through indirect or direct contact by touching, inhaling, or ingesting anthrax spores. Once anthrax spores get inside your body and activate, the bacteria multiply, spread, and produce toxins. […] You can come into contact with anthrax through animals or biological weapons. […] Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon, but this is very rare. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that anthrax is one of the most likely agents to be used in a biological attack. This is because its easy to disseminate (spread) and can cause widespread illness and death. […] Despite the 2001 attack, anthrax is uncommon in the United States.
#65 What Is Anthrax and What Makes It Toxic to Humans?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/anthrax-7482093
Anthrax is a rare but serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium is often found in the soil and infects animals. Its spores can be weaponized and turned into a powder. […] People get anthrax infections from anthrax spores. Depending on how a person is exposed, they can have varying effects. If spores are inhaled, they can be deadly. The effects are milder when only the skin is infected. […] Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon because of several unique bacterial traits: The bacterial spores are widespread. Spores can be made in a lab. Spores survive for a long time. Spores can be put into powders, sprays, food, and water. They are so small you cant see, smell, or taste them. […] Humans encounter anthrax from coming into contact with bacterial spores. These spores are present in the soil and can also infect animals.
#66 What Is Anthrax and What Makes It Toxic to Humans?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/anthrax-7482093
Anthrax is a rare but serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium is often found in the soil and infects animals. Its spores can be weaponized and turned into a powder. […] People get anthrax infections from anthrax spores. Depending on how a person is exposed, they can have varying effects. If spores are inhaled, they can be deadly. The effects are milder when only the skin is infected. […] Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon because of several unique bacterial traits: The bacterial spores are widespread. Spores can be made in a lab. Spores survive for a long time. Spores can be put into powders, sprays, food, and water. They are so small you cant see, smell, or taste them. […] Humans encounter anthrax from coming into contact with bacterial spores. These spores are present in the soil and can also infect animals.
#67 Anthrax (Bacillus Anthracis): Symptoms & Causes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10853-anthrax
Bacillus anthracis bacteria cause anthrax, a rare, potentially fatal disease and a potential bioterrorism threat. […] Anthrax (pronounced AN-thraks) is an infectious disease caused by exposure to Bacillus anthracis bacteria. […] Bacillus anthracis bacteria cause anthrax. The bacteria produce spores that can live in the ground for years. […] After mixing with bodily fluids, anthrax bacteria activate, multiply and spread throughout your body. The bacteria cause a toxic, potentially deadly reaction. The same process happens to people who inhale, ingest or come into skin contact with the spores. […] A bioterrorism anthrax attack using anthrax spores is a possibility. […] For these reasons, inhalation anthrax is considered a potential bioterrorism threat.
#68 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Anthrax is caused by the gram-positive Bacillus anthracis, which are toxin-producing, encapsulated, facultative anaerobic organisms. […] Anthrax is an important domestic animal disease, occurring in goats, cattle, sheep, and horses. […] However, the potential use of anthrax as a biological weapon has increased fear of this pathogen. […] Spores have been prepared in very finely powdered form (weaponized) to be used as agents of warfare and bioterrorism; in anthrax bioattacks of 2001, spores were spread in envelopes delivered via the United States Postal Service. […] Human infection can be acquired by cutaneous contact (most common), ingestion, inhalation, or injection. […] Cutaneous infection is usually acquired by contact with infected animals, spore-contaminated animal products, or soil-containing spores or rarely by injection from contaminated heroin in injection drug users.
#69 Anthrax – Epidemiology
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/anthrax/
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores and can be found in soil. […] Bacillus anthracis spores can enter the body in four ways: (1) through skin contact with anthrax spores, such as by touching or handling hides or wool from infected animals, that get into a cut or scrape on the skin; (2) from inhaling anthrax spores from infected animals; (3) from eating contaminated, undercooked meat from infected animals; or (4) from injecting contaminated heroin. […] Anthrax spores can be used as a bioterrorist weapon, as was the case in 2001, when Bacillus anthracis spores were intentionally distributed through the U.S. Postal System, causing 22 cases of anthrax, including five deaths.
#70 Anthrax – Epidemiology
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/anthrax/
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores and can be found in soil. […] Bacillus anthracis spores can enter the body in four ways: (1) through skin contact with anthrax spores, such as by touching or handling hides or wool from infected animals, that get into a cut or scrape on the skin; (2) from inhaling anthrax spores from infected animals; (3) from eating contaminated, undercooked meat from infected animals; or (4) from injecting contaminated heroin. […] Anthrax spores can be used as a bioterrorist weapon, as was the case in 2001, when Bacillus anthracis spores were intentionally distributed through the U.S. Postal System, causing 22 cases of anthrax, including five deaths.
#71 Anthrax: Causes, Dangers, Symptoms, and Treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/anthrax
Anthrax is a serious infectious illness caused by the microbe Bacillus anthracis. This microbe resides in soil. […] You can get anthrax through indirect or direct contact by touching, inhaling, or ingesting anthrax spores. Once anthrax spores get inside your body and activate, the bacteria multiply, spread, and produce toxins. […] You can come into contact with anthrax through animals or biological weapons. […] Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon, but this is very rare. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that anthrax is one of the most likely agents to be used in a biological attack. This is because its easy to disseminate (spread) and can cause widespread illness and death. […] Despite the 2001 attack, anthrax is uncommon in the United States.
#72 Anthrax – MD Searchlight
https://mdsearchlight.com/infectious-disease/anthrax/
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. […] Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, is extremely durable when in a spore state. […] It’s important to note that anthrax is usually gotten from animals. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has marked anthrax as a category A priority pathogen. […] Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores and produces toxins that harm the body. […] People can get anthrax from contact with infected animals. […] Treatment for anthrax depends on the type of infection. […] The prognosis for anthrax depends on the form of the disease.
#73 Anthrax: Causes, Dangers, Symptoms, and Treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/anthrax
Anthrax is a serious infectious illness caused by the microbe Bacillus anthracis. This microbe resides in soil. […] You can get anthrax through indirect or direct contact by touching, inhaling, or ingesting anthrax spores. Once anthrax spores get inside your body and activate, the bacteria multiply, spread, and produce toxins. […] You can come into contact with anthrax through animals or biological weapons. […] Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon, but this is very rare. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that anthrax is one of the most likely agents to be used in a biological attack. This is because its easy to disseminate (spread) and can cause widespread illness and death. […] Despite the 2001 attack, anthrax is uncommon in the United States.
#74 Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis causes inhalational anthrax-like disease in rabbits that is treatable with medical countermeasures | PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0012973
Bacillus anthracis is a zoonotic organism that causes the disease anthrax due to the activity of virulence factors harbored on plasmids pXO1 and pXO2. […] Recently, reports have identified Bacillus cereus isolates that possess pXO1 and pXO2-like plasmids and cause an anthrax-like disease. These isolates have been named B. cereus biovar anthracis, or Bcbva. […] This study determined that the rabbit INHLD50 values for Bcbva CA and CI were similar to that published for B. anthracis Ames. […] Collectively, these data suggest that anthrax-like disease caused by Bcbva is similar to that caused by B. anthracis Ames 2084, and that currently available countermeasures are effective against inhalation exposure to Bcbva. […] Considering these public health data and because of the potential to cause lethal anthrax, these isolates have recently been categorized as select agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
#75 Anthrax | Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anthrax
If one or more people have been infected with anthrax with no evidence of exposure to infected animals or their products, a deliberate release of anthrax organisms must be considered as a possible source. […] The use of anthrax as a bioterrorism agent remains a hypothetical risk. However the likelihood that an individual or terrorist group could prepare and disseminate anthrax in Australia is considered low.
#76 FAQ: Exposure to Anthrax
https://eportal.mountsinai.ca/Microbiology/faq/anthrfaq.shtml
A patient with anthrax is not infectious to other persons, nor are his/her body secretions or blood. There have been no known cases of human-to-human transmission. […] Anthrax has been put at the top of the list of „the most likely agent to be used in a bioterrorist attack.” For people to contract inhalation anthrax, a very large number of spores must be released. Not only that, it is difficult to create a form of anthrax that could be made airborne because the spores have a natural tendency to clump together and not remain in the air. The environmental conditions (i.e., air movement and humidity) must also be exact. […] If you are found to have been exposed to anthrax, it is best to take antibiotics to prevent illness. The most common form, cutaneous anthrax, is usually curable when treated with antibiotics. Inhalation anthrax has a very high mortality rate, with death usually occurring within a few days after the onset of symptoms. However, therapy is successful if initiated during the incubation period.
#77 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Gastrointestinal (including oropharyngeal) infection may occur after ingestion of inadequately cooked meat containing the vegetative forms of the organism, usually when a break in the pharyngeal or intestinal mucosa facilitates invasion. […] Pulmonary infection (inhalation anthrax), caused by inhaling spores, is almost always due to occupational exposure to contaminated animal products (eg, hides) and is often fatal. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax and inhalation anthrax are not transmitted from person to person. […] After entering the body, spores germinate inside macrophages, which migrate to regional lymph nodes where the bacteria multiply. […] Bacteremia may occur in any form of anthrax and occurs in nearly all fatal cases; meningeal involvement is common. […] Limited data suggest that cutaneous anthrax does not result in acquired immunity, particularly if early effective antimicrobial therapy was used.
#78 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#79 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Gastrointestinal (including oropharyngeal) infection may occur after ingestion of inadequately cooked meat containing the vegetative forms of the organism, usually when a break in the pharyngeal or intestinal mucosa facilitates invasion. […] Pulmonary infection (inhalation anthrax), caused by inhaling spores, is almost always due to occupational exposure to contaminated animal products (eg, hides) and is often fatal. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax and inhalation anthrax are not transmitted from person to person. […] After entering the body, spores germinate inside macrophages, which migrate to regional lymph nodes where the bacteria multiply. […] Bacteremia may occur in any form of anthrax and occurs in nearly all fatal cases; meningeal involvement is common. […] Limited data suggest that cutaneous anthrax does not result in acquired immunity, particularly if early effective antimicrobial therapy was used.
#80 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Gastrointestinal (including oropharyngeal) infection may occur after ingestion of inadequately cooked meat containing the vegetative forms of the organism, usually when a break in the pharyngeal or intestinal mucosa facilitates invasion. […] Pulmonary infection (inhalation anthrax), caused by inhaling spores, is almost always due to occupational exposure to contaminated animal products (eg, hides) and is often fatal. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax and inhalation anthrax are not transmitted from person to person. […] After entering the body, spores germinate inside macrophages, which migrate to regional lymph nodes where the bacteria multiply. […] Bacteremia may occur in any form of anthrax and occurs in nearly all fatal cases; meningeal involvement is common. […] Limited data suggest that cutaneous anthrax does not result in acquired immunity, particularly if early effective antimicrobial therapy was used.
#81 Anthrax Poisoning in Horses: Transmission, Treatment & Prevention | Mad Barn
https://madbarn.com/anthrax-infection-in-horses/?srsltid=AfmBOorWScL9tmfeS8Jy6X-egqwwc4lIdTNkHHKoSlClIXRgmCdKdJHB
Anthrax is a rapidly fatal disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria. This bacterium can infect horses, other livestock species, and humans. Anthrax cases occur globally every year, including sporadic outbreaks in North America. […] The cause of anthrax is the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which are spore-forming bacteria commonly found in soil. […] When horses inhale or ingest B. anthracis spores from the environment, they are at risk of developing anthrax. […] Once the spores of B. anthracis enter the body, the bacteria germinate (develop into the replicating form). […] B. anthracis bacteria produce toxins that affect tissues within the body. […] The release of lethal toxin by B. anthracis is the ultimate cause of death in animals affected by anthrax. […] Anthrax cannot spread directly between sick animals.
#82 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#83 Anthrax: Causes, treatments, and risks
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37557
Anthrax is caused by infection with Bacillus anthracis, a hardy, spore-forming bacterium that can survive in extreme conditions for a long time. The bacterium is highly toxic. […] Anthrax infection happens when the bacterium B. anthracis enters the body through inhaling, swallowing, injecting, or through skin contact. […] Anthrax spores are resistant to many environmental stresses and normally lie dormant. If they enter the body of a person or an animal, they can develop into active growing cells, due to the presence of water, sugars, and other nutrients. […] Once active, the bacteria multiply throughout the body, creating toxins that can cause severe illness. […] Anthrax consists of three proteins. None of these proteins is toxic on its own, but combined, they can make a lethal mix, disrupting cellular signaling pathways and stopping cells from working properly, shutting down the hosts immune system, and leading to death.
#84 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#85 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#86 Anthrax: Causes, treatments, and risks
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37557
Anthrax is caused by infection with Bacillus anthracis, a hardy, spore-forming bacterium that can survive in extreme conditions for a long time. The bacterium is highly toxic. […] Anthrax infection happens when the bacterium B. anthracis enters the body through inhaling, swallowing, injecting, or through skin contact. […] Anthrax spores are resistant to many environmental stresses and normally lie dormant. If they enter the body of a person or an animal, they can develop into active growing cells, due to the presence of water, sugars, and other nutrients. […] Once active, the bacteria multiply throughout the body, creating toxins that can cause severe illness. […] Anthrax consists of three proteins. None of these proteins is toxic on its own, but combined, they can make a lethal mix, disrupting cellular signaling pathways and stopping cells from working properly, shutting down the hosts immune system, and leading to death.
#87 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#88 Anthrax: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview
Anthrax is caused by B anthracis, a gram-positive bacillus. B anthracis has a diameter of 1-1.5 m and a length of 3-10 m. It is usually straight but may be slightly curved. The ends of the bacilli are truncated, not rounded. Anthrax bacilli tend to form into long chains and may appear similar to streptobacilli on cultures. […] B anthracis produces a capsule that is easily visualized using a methylene blue or India ink stain. Ground-glassappearing colonies are adherent and appear gray or white on blood agar. Colonies measure 4-5 mm in diameter and have characteristic comma-shaped protrusions. […] Anthrax exotoxins are produced in the vegetative phase and are composed of proteins. Lethal toxin is the single most important virulence factor and is the primary cause of death. Lethal toxin is a combination of protective antigen and lethal factor. Edema factor and lethal toxin inhibit phagocytosis and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. The other major anthrax virulence factor is its antiphagocytic poly-D-glutamic acid capsule.
#89 Anthrax–Life Cycle
https://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/sosarafova/assets/bio307/javaron/life%20cycle.html
The S-layer is thought to aid the capsule in evading host defenses, though its functions are not yet completely understood (4). […] Anthrax exists in both a vegetative and spore state. […] The spores are elliptical in shape (4), and resistant to heat, drying, ultraviolet light, and gamma radiation (1). […] Anthrax spores form when vegetative bacteria is exposed to oxygen (2,5). […] Once sporulation occurs, the spores can lay dormant in the soil for several years, although evidence suggests that spores vegetate in soil under favorable conditions (3).
#90 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Inhalation anthrax may provide some immunity in patients who survive, but data are very limited. […] The virulence of B. anthracis is due to its antiphagocytic capsule, toxins (factors), and rapid replication capability. […] The predominant toxins are edema toxin and lethal toxin. […] Mortality is rare with treatment, but the lesion will progress through the eschar phase. […] Inhalation and other forms of anthrax, including cutaneous anthrax with significant edema or systemic symptoms, require therapy with 3 antibiotics. […] Drug resistance is a concern. […] Viable spores have been detected in the lungs after aerosol exposure. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the anthrax vaccine be administered with antibiotic prophylaxis to patients exposed to anthrax spores. […] Raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab are monoclonal antibodies indicated for prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate.
#91 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Gastrointestinal (including oropharyngeal) infection may occur after ingestion of inadequately cooked meat containing the vegetative forms of the organism, usually when a break in the pharyngeal or intestinal mucosa facilitates invasion. […] Pulmonary infection (inhalation anthrax), caused by inhaling spores, is almost always due to occupational exposure to contaminated animal products (eg, hides) and is often fatal. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax and inhalation anthrax are not transmitted from person to person. […] After entering the body, spores germinate inside macrophages, which migrate to regional lymph nodes where the bacteria multiply. […] Bacteremia may occur in any form of anthrax and occurs in nearly all fatal cases; meningeal involvement is common. […] Limited data suggest that cutaneous anthrax does not result in acquired immunity, particularly if early effective antimicrobial therapy was used.
#92 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Inhalation anthrax may provide some immunity in patients who survive, but data are very limited. […] The virulence of B. anthracis is due to its antiphagocytic capsule, toxins (factors), and rapid replication capability. […] The predominant toxins are edema toxin and lethal toxin. […] Mortality is rare with treatment, but the lesion will progress through the eschar phase. […] Inhalation and other forms of anthrax, including cutaneous anthrax with significant edema or systemic symptoms, require therapy with 3 antibiotics. […] Drug resistance is a concern. […] Viable spores have been detected in the lungs after aerosol exposure. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the anthrax vaccine be administered with antibiotic prophylaxis to patients exposed to anthrax spores. […] Raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab are monoclonal antibodies indicated for prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate.
#93 TAB C – Anthrax
https://www.gulflink.osd.mil/bw/bw_tabc.htm
Bacillus anthracis is a rod-shaped, gram-positive, sporulating organism, the spores constituting the usual infective form, which causes anthrax, a zoonotic (transmitted from animals, the usual host, to humans) disease. […] Humans may contract the disease by handling infected animals contaminated hair, wool, hides, flesh, blood, and excreta; from manufactured products such as bone meal; and by purposeful dissemination of spores. […] The disease is transmitted through skin scratches or abrasions, wounds (cutaneous), inhaling spores (inhalation), eating insufficiently cooked infected meat (gastrointestinal), or by flies (cutaneous). […] Recovery from a mild exposure to the disease may confer immunity. […] The spores are very stable and may remain viable for many years in soil and water.
#94 Anthrax Vaccine: MedlinePlus Drug InformationLock
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607013.html
Anthrax is a serious disease that can affect both animals and humans. It is caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. People can get anthrax from contact with infected animals, wool, meat, or hides. […] Inhalation Anthrax. This form of anthrax occurs when B. anthracis is inhaled, and is very serious. The first symptoms can include a sore throat, mild fever and muscle aches. Within several days these symptoms are followed by severe breathing problems, shock, and often meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord covering). This form of anthrax requires hospitalization and aggressive treatment with antibiotics. It is often fatal. […] Anthrax vaccine protects against anthrax disease. The vaccine used in the United States does not contain B. anthracis cells and it does not cause anthrax.
#95 Anthrax Vaccine: MedlinePlus Drug InformationLock
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607013.html
Anthrax is a serious disease that can affect both animals and humans. It is caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. People can get anthrax from contact with infected animals, wool, meat, or hides. […] Inhalation Anthrax. This form of anthrax occurs when B. anthracis is inhaled, and is very serious. The first symptoms can include a sore throat, mild fever and muscle aches. Within several days these symptoms are followed by severe breathing problems, shock, and often meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord covering). This form of anthrax requires hospitalization and aggressive treatment with antibiotics. It is often fatal. […] Anthrax vaccine protects against anthrax disease. The vaccine used in the United States does not contain B. anthracis cells and it does not cause anthrax.
#96 Anthrax Vaccine: MedlinePlus Drug InformationLock
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607013.html
Based on limited but sound evidence, the vaccine protects against both cutaneous (skin) and inhalational anthrax. […] Anthrax is a very serious disease, and the risk of serious harm from the vaccine is extremely small. […] There is no evidence that anthrax vaccine causes long-term health problems.
#97 Anthrax | BCM
https://www.bcm.edu/departments/molecular-virology-and-microbiology/emerging-infections-and-biodefense/specific-agents/anthrax
The only licensed anthrax vaccine in the United States is called anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA, also known as BioThrax). […] The AVA vaccine has been shown to prevent anthrax disease. […] The problem is that some strains of the anthrax bacterium are naturally resistant to penicillin, so that penicillin is ineffective in treating patients with these particular strains.
#98 TAB C – Anthrax
https://www.gulflink.osd.mil/bw/bw_tabc.htm
If untreated until symptoms appear, inhalation anthrax results in almost 100% fatality to those who inhale an infectious dose, which also is the lethal dose because the bacilli multiply in the blood until the toxins released during cell division cause septic shock and respiratory failure. […] The vaccine-antibiotic combination provides the best protection against anthrax. […] The licensed US vaccine has not been clinically tested on humans to determine its efficacy against a lethal aerosol challenge, but testing the vaccine on animal surrogates has provided a means to gauge the protection levels humans might achieve. […] Producing the anthrax vaccine uses a non-lethal (non-pathogenic) Bacillus anthracis strain to produce anthrax protective antigen (PA) protein.
#99 TAB C – Anthrax
https://www.gulflink.osd.mil/bw/bw_tabc.htm
If untreated until symptoms appear, inhalation anthrax results in almost 100% fatality to those who inhale an infectious dose, which also is the lethal dose because the bacilli multiply in the blood until the toxins released during cell division cause septic shock and respiratory failure. […] The vaccine-antibiotic combination provides the best protection against anthrax. […] The licensed US vaccine has not been clinically tested on humans to determine its efficacy against a lethal aerosol challenge, but testing the vaccine on animal surrogates has provided a means to gauge the protection levels humans might achieve. […] Producing the anthrax vaccine uses a non-lethal (non-pathogenic) Bacillus anthracis strain to produce anthrax protective antigen (PA) protein.
#100 Anthrax – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/anthrax
Inhalation anthrax may provide some immunity in patients who survive, but data are very limited. […] The virulence of B. anthracis is due to its antiphagocytic capsule, toxins (factors), and rapid replication capability. […] The predominant toxins are edema toxin and lethal toxin. […] Mortality is rare with treatment, but the lesion will progress through the eschar phase. […] Inhalation and other forms of anthrax, including cutaneous anthrax with significant edema or systemic symptoms, require therapy with 3 antibiotics. […] Drug resistance is a concern. […] Viable spores have been detected in the lungs after aerosol exposure. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the anthrax vaccine be administered with antibiotic prophylaxis to patients exposed to anthrax spores. […] Raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab are monoclonal antibodies indicated for prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate.
#101 About Anthrax | Anthrax | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/about/index.html
Anthrax is a serious disease usually caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria. The bacteria are found naturally in soil around the world and commonly affect livestock and wild animals. […] People usually get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. […] All types of anthrax can cause death if they’re not treated with antibiotics. […] Inhalation anthrax can occur when a person breathes in anthrax spores. It’s the deadliest form of the disease. […] This type of anthrax can happen when a person eats raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal. […] Injection anthrax recently was identified in heroin-injecting drug users in northern Europe, but it hasn’t been reported in the United States. […] If someone has been exposed to the bacteria that causes anthrax, doctors may recommend anthrax vaccine, or they may recommend taking certain antibiotics to prevent anthrax from developing.
#102 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the spore forming Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (see chapter 6), the only obligate pathogen in the large genus Bacillus. […] It is very largely through the uptake of spores from the environment that anthrax is contracted. […] The ability of anthrax spores to persist in the soil and other environments for decades is legendary. […] The rate and extent of sporulation by vegetative cells shed from infected animals is affected in a complex manner by the environmental conditions into which they fall. […] Spores will germinate outside an animal if conditions permit. […] The rarity of environmental cycling is not universally accepted and Kaufmann (1990) believed that certain features of naturally-occurring anthrax are better explained by a pattern of Bacillus anthracis multiplication in soil than by mere persistence of spores.
#103 Anthrax – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health
https://www.woah.org/en/disease/anthrax/
Anthrax is a disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. […] The bacteria produce extremely potent toxins, which are responsible for the ill effects. Anthrax spores are extremely resistant and can survive in the environment for decades, making the control or eradication of the disease very difficult. […] Bacillus anthracis is not invasive and requires a lesion to infect. The spores enter the body through cuts or scratches in the skin and cause a local infection that if not controlled may spread throughout the body. […] The digestive form occurs when the spores are eaten. […] Potentially the most deadly form is by inhalation. […] Anthrax is diagnosed by examining blood (or other tissues) for the presence of the bacteria. […] In addition to antibiotic therapy and immunisation, specific control procedures are necessary to contain the disease and prevent its spread. […] Vaccination in endemic areas is very important. […] Though anthrax is quite susceptible to antibiotic therapy, the clinical course is often so rapid that there may not be the opportunity to treat affected animals.
#104 Anthrax Information | Mount Sinai – New York
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/anthrax
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs. […] Anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats. Humans who come into contact with infected animals can get sick with anthrax as well. […] There are three main routes of anthrax infection: skin (cutaneous), lung (inhalation), and mouth (gastrointestinal). […] Cutaneous anthrax occurs when anthrax spores enter the body through a cut or scrape on the skin. […] Inhalation anthrax develops when anthrax spores enter the lungs through the airways. […] Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when someone eats anthrax-tainted meat. […] Anthrax may be used as a biological weapon or for bioterrorism.
#105 Anthrax – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507773/
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by an encapsulated, spore-forming, gram-variable bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. […] The bacteria Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax. […] Bacillus anthracis is environmentally stable in spore form and may contaminate soil worldwide, resulting in infections of herbivores while grazing. […] Human transmission occurs via contact with infected animals through butchering and working with hides or ingestion of raw or undercooked meat. […] Anthrax is acquired from animals; there are no reports of direct human to human transmission.
#106 Etiology and ecology – Anthrax in Humans and Animals – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310478/
The belief of an association of high soil pH with favourable sites for anthrax persistence dates back to at least the statement of Higgins (1916) that a suitable soil must be slightly alkaline. […] The association of calcium and anthrax favourable sites seems to have been recognized in the Russian Federation over a century ago within the chernozem concept, the process of soil calcification from an underlying calciferous parent material. […] The ability of anthrax spores to remain viable for very long periods has become almost legendary but there is little well-documented information on this. […] The condition that appears most to favour long survival is dryness.
#107 Anthrax – BeefResearch.ca
https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/anthrax/
Anthrax spores require alkaline conditions to survive, so locations that naturally have alkaline soils are at a higher risk. […] The perfect storm for an anthrax outbreak is a heavy rain or flooding in the spring to bring spores to the surface, and then a drought later on which cause cattle to graze close to the ground and pick them up. […] Anthrax has occurred almost worldwide. […] There is about 20% mortality if untreated; mortality is rare if treated with antibiotics.
#108 Anthrax (Bacillus Anthracis) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
https://www.medicinenet.com/anthrax/article.htm
Anthrax is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that normally affects animals, especially ruminants (such as goats, cattle, sheep, and horses). […] The agent of anthrax is a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. […] Anthrax is now rare in humans in the United States and developed countries. […] The major concern for those of us in western countries (who don’t play drums) is the use of anthrax as an agent of biological warfare. […] Anthrax can infect humans in three ways. […] The most deadly form is inhalation anthrax. […] The incubation period (the period between contact with anthrax and the start of symptoms) may be relatively short, from one to five days. […] The prognosis for anthrax infections depends on the type of infection and how rapidly antibiotic treatment is initiated. […] Public-health measures to prevent contact with infected animals are invaluable.
#109 Clinical Overview of Anthrax | Anthrax | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
Without treatment, inhalation anthrax is almost always fatal. However, with aggressive treatment, about 55 percent of patients survive. […] Without treatment, more than half of patients with gastrointestinal anthrax die. However, with proper treatment, 60 percent of patients survive. […] Severe illness can occur if treatment is delayed because the patient didn’t know they were exposed to anthrax. After anthrax toxins, which are released when anthrax spores are activated, have been released in the body, one possible treatment is anthrax antitoxin.
#110 Anthrax (malignant edema, woolsorters’ disease)
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/anthrax/fact_sheet.htm
Treatment is highly effective in cases of cutaneous (skin) anthrax and is effective in inhalation and gastrointestinal anthrax if begun early in the course of infection. […] Persons known to be exposed to confirmed anthrax spores will be given antibiotics, usually ciprofloxacin (cipro) or doxycycline, for several weeks to prevent infection.