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anthrax
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Microscope photo of Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, showing clusters of purple rod-shaped cells against a yellow background. Anthrax Computer-generated model of anthrax toxin showing seven differently colored protein units, with a small gold molecule representing a drug bound to the protein structure.
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Anthrax
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Microscope photo of Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, showing clusters of purple rod-shaped cells against a yellow background.
Bacillus anthracis Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that causes anthrax.

anthrax

disease
Also known as: malignant pustule, splenic fever, woolsorters’ disease(Show More)
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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anthrax, acute, infectious, febrile disease of animals and humans caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that under certain conditions forms highly resistant spores capable of persisting and retaining their virulence for many years. Although anthrax most commonly affects grazing animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and mules, humans can develop the disease by consuming contaminated meat or handling materials from infected animals, including wool, hair, hides, bones, or carcasses. When anthrax—its name derived from...

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