ANTHRAX

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ANTHRAX

• By Robert Wheeler

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Scientific Name

• Bacillus Anthracis

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Classification

• There are around 34 different species inside the
  Genus Anthrax.
• Rod shaped bacterium

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Metabolism

• Can be grown under aerobic, or anaerobic
  conditions.

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Habitat

• Anthrax has the ability to live dormant on plants
  and in soil for decades at a time.
• It has been decided the origin of Anthrax was
  Africa.
• This is due to the fact that there are two
  strains of Anthrax, A and B. They can both be
  found in Africa but Anthrax B is so rare it only
  appears in 11 of reported cases.

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Adaptations

• Can form endospores

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Gram

• Anthrax is a spore forming, gram positive
  bacillus.

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Endo or Exo?

• Bacillus Anthracis is a 3 protein exotoxin
• Anthrax toxin allows the bacteria to evade the
  immune system, develop and flourish, then
  ultimately kill the host animal

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Function/ Impact on Environment

• It is usually a disease of animals such as
  cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Pigs, Dogs, and
  Cats are more resistant. Birds are naturally
  resistant to anthrax in most cases. Buzzards and
  vultures are naturally resistant to anthrax but
  may carry the spores on their talons and beaks.

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3 Wow Facts

• The fifth plague, described in the book of
  Genesis, may be among the earliest descriptions
  of anthrax.
• Can be inhaled, obtained through dealing with
  sick animals, or eating meat products with it

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• http//bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/cottor_mick/i
  ndex_files/Page689.htm

http//www.defencejournal.com/dec98/anthrax.htm