BACILLUS ANTHRACIS ANTHRAX

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BACILLUS ANTHRACIS-ANTHRAX

• By Josh
• And
• Ashly

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HISTORY

• Fifth and sixth plagues in the Bibles book of
  Exodus.
• Black Bane disease swept through Europe in
  1600s.
• 1849 Anthrax bacterium was discovered
• 1876 first disease to fulfill Kochs postulates.
• 1881 first bacterial disease which immunization
  was available.
• Used in biological warfare.
• Rare in United States.

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MORPHOLOGY/PHYSIOLOGY

• Size- 4-8um
• Gram positive spore forming rod.
• Spores may remain in environment for decades.
• Soil rich in organic matter.

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INFECTION

• THREE DIFFERENT KINDS

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INTESTINAL

• Consumption of contaminated meat
• Effects gastrointestinal route
• 1-6 days to develop

• Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever,
  abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe
  diarrhea.
• Results in death in 25 to 60 of cases if not
  treated.

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INHALATION

• Inhaling large amounts of the spores.
• Effects entire body
• 1-6 days to develop

• Resembles common cold, Severe breathing problems,
  and shock.
• A brief period of improvement
• High fever and shock.
• Results in death in 95 of untreated cases.

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Cutaneous

• Contact of spores through a cut in the skin.
• Effects entire body mostly the skin.
• 1-2 days to develop

• Lesion on the skin
• Sometimes leaves a necrotic ulcer with a black
  center.
• Swelling of adjacent lymph glands, fever,
  malaise, and headaches.

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Diagnosis

• Chest radiographs
• Blood smears

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Treatment

• Antibiotics
• Medications

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Prevention

• People who work directly with animals or military
  personnel are required to get an anthrax
  vaccination.
• Veterinary supervision of slaughter practices.
• Restriction of imported wools and hides.
• Meat of uncertain origin should be avoided.