Bacillus anthracis

Bacillus anthracis is a bacterium that causes anthrax, an acute infectious disease affecting animals and humans. This bacterium can form highly resistant spores that remain virulent for many years. Anthrax most commonly affects grazing animals like cattle, sheep, and goats, but humans can contract it by consuming contaminated meat or handling infected animal materials.1

In humans, anthrax can manifest as cutaneous (skin), pulmonary (lung), or intestinal infections. Cutaneous anthrax, the most common form, appears as a localized skin infection with a characteristic blackened sore. Pulmonary anthrax, or inhalation anthrax, results from breathing in spores and can lead to fatal pneumonia. Intestinal anthrax can occur after eating contaminated meat and causes inflammation of the intestinal tract.1

Bacillus species are generally rod-shaped bacteria found in soil and water. While many Bacillus species are harmless or even beneficial, producing antibiotics like bacitracin, B. anthracis is a notable exception due to its pathogenicity. The ability of B. anthracis spores to persist and its potential use as a biological weapon have made it a significant concern for public health and biodefense.21