Anthrax

Anthrax is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores that reproduce when conditions are favorable for them. It is classified by the CDC as a class “A” agent. These agents have the greatest negative effect on the public; they have the potential to spread across a large area, and it requires a lot of planning to be able to effectively protect the public from them. A person can get Anthrax through the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and from inhalation. When anthrax enters the body and finds the environment it needs, it continues on to the lymph nodes. From there it starts to multiply and produce the toxins known as “lethal toxin” and “edema toxin“. These toxins are formed when the three proteins, Protective antigen, Edema factor and Lethal factor are released from the anthrax bacteria. First, the protective antigen attaches itself to the surface of the human cells; then a channel is formed in the cells membrane that lets the edema factor and lethal factor get inside the cells to form the two toxins. The toxins attack the cells resulting in hemorrhaging, swelling, a drop in B/P and then death.
People who are considered at the highest risk for contracting anthrax and are advised to get the vaccination are: people who work in laboratories with different organisms; people who work with animal hides or furs that are imported from areas that have insufficient means to prevent exposure to anthrax spores; anyone who handles potentially infected animal products such as vets who travel to other countries for work; military personnel who are deployed to places that have a high risk for exposure; and postal workers who sort and handle the mail.

                                          (Bacillus anthracis)


Resources: http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.fda/cber/vaccine/anthrax.htm [continues]

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