A Lethal Disease: Anthrax

Anthrax
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February 18, 2023
1 What organism produces this and how?
Anthrax is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium typically infects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats but can also infect humans. Anthrax is most commonly found in agricultural regions of the world, including Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe.
2 What are the four different locations where an anthrax infection can occur? Describe each of these locations. What are the reasons why these locations allow the infection to occur?
Anthrax infections can occur in four different locations in humans: cutaneous, inhalation, gastrointestinal, and injection.
* Cutaneous Anthrax: This is the most common form of anthrax infection, accounting for over 95% of cases. Cutaneous Anthrax occurs when the bacterium enters the body through a cut or scrape in the skin. The resulting infection typically begins as a small, itchy bump that develops into a painless sore with a black center (Bayhan et al., 2022).
* Inhalation Anthrax: Inhalation anthrax occurs when the bacterium is inhaled into the lungs, usually by inhaling spores. Inhalation anthrax is the most deadly form of the disease and is often fatal. Symptoms can initially resemble those of a cold or flu but rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress and shock.
* Gastrointestinal Anthrax: This form of Anthrax occurs when the bacterium is ingested, typically through consuming contaminated meat. Symptoms include abdomi...