Anthrax

Definition

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, or the lungs.

See also:

• Cutaneous anthrax
• Inhalation anthrax

Alternative Names

Wool sorter's disease; Ragpicker's disease

Causes

Anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep and goats, but humans who come into contact with the infected animals can get sick from anthrax, too. In the past, the people who were most at risk for anthrax included farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers.

There are three main routes of anthrax infection:

• Cutaneous anthrax occurs when anthrax touches a cut or scrape on the skin.
• Inhalation anthrax develops when anthrax spores enter the lungs.
• Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when someone eats anthrax-tainted meat. The disease usually develops within one week, and can affect the mouth, esophagus, intestines, and colon. The infection can spread to the bloodstream, and may result in death.

Anthrax may be used as a biological weapon or for bio-terrorism. In 2001, anthrax sent through the U.S. Postal Service infected 22 people; 7 survivors had confirmed cutaneous anthrax disease.

While at least 17 nations are believed to have a biological weapons program, it is unknown how many nations or groups are working with anthrax. Most bio-terrorism experts have concluded that it is difficult to use anthrax effectively as a weapon on a large scale.

References

Reissman DB, Whitney EA, Taylor TH Jr, et al. One-Year Health Assessment of Adult Survivors of Bacillus anthracis Infection.JAMA. 2004;291:1994-1998.

Inglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA.160;2002;287:2236-2252.