Anthrax Research Paper
Abstract
Introduction
Biological warfare has been around since the 19th century. It can include any organism or toxin found in nature to kill or injure people. Many nations are seeking ways to acquire biological weapons to use against other nations and there have been many concerns of terrorist groups having the technology to use them. In fact, as of the 1980s, some terrorist organizations may have even been traced to possessing bio-weapons.
Most bio-weapons can spread through the air, with explosives, food and water, or absorbed through the skin. Some of the weapons have been eradicated while others still exist, but are dormant. Anthrax is one biological weapon that can be used against the world, proving to be very dangerous when put in the wrong hands.
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax, also known by its scientific name of Bacillus anthracis, is an infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria. It can produce inactive spores that can live for a long time in the environment, including soil and some animals in the world. Anthrax works when spores get into the body of an animal or human, and then turn into active growing cells. …show more content…
Cutaneous anthrax or skin anthrax is the most common form of anthrax found. It is developed when a break in the skin comes into direct contact with anthrax spores. This includes a cut or some sort of abrasion. The itchy bump, resembling an insect bite, caused by this form of anthrax transmutes into a blister and then a black sore. Symptoms caused by cutaneous anthrax are headaches, muscle aches, fever, and vomiting. It must be treated quickly to prevent any more severity and the appropriate medical evaluation is important. About 20 percent of untreated cases result in death but is rare with the appropriate
Introduction
Biological warfare has been around since the 19th century. It can include any organism or toxin found in nature to kill or injure people. Many nations are seeking ways to acquire biological weapons to use against other nations and there have been many concerns of terrorist groups having the technology to use them. In fact, as of the 1980s, some terrorist organizations may have even been traced to possessing bio-weapons.
Most bio-weapons can spread through the air, with explosives, food and water, or absorbed through the skin. Some of the weapons have been eradicated while others still exist, but are dormant. Anthrax is one biological weapon that can be used against the world, proving to be very dangerous when put in the wrong hands.
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax, also known by its scientific name of Bacillus anthracis, is an infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria. It can produce inactive spores that can live for a long time in the environment, including soil and some animals in the world. Anthrax works when spores get into the body of an animal or human, and then turn into active growing cells. …show more content…
Cutaneous anthrax or skin anthrax is the most common form of anthrax found. It is developed when a break in the skin comes into direct contact with anthrax spores. This includes a cut or some sort of abrasion. The itchy bump, resembling an insect bite, caused by this form of anthrax transmutes into a blister and then a black sore. Symptoms caused by cutaneous anthrax are headaches, muscle aches, fever, and vomiting. It must be treated quickly to prevent any more severity and the appropriate medical evaluation is important. About 20 percent of untreated cases result in death but is rare with the appropriate