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Anthrax

• Bacillus anthracis
• Gram +ve rod, aerobic, non-motile
• Bacillus species are mainly soil dwelling saprophytes
• Disease of herbivores
• Spores excreted in urine, faces, saliva
• May exist in environment for years
•  Anti-phagocytic capsule
  • D-glutamic acid

Course

1. Spores enter via skin & mucous membranes
2. Bacteria multiply and release toxin
3. Oedema
4. Papule formation (12-36h)
5. Formation of malignant pustule (no pus)
6. Dissemination

• 10% patients develop septicaemia
• 10-20% fatality in untreated cutaneous disease

Pulmonary anthrax -

• "woolsorter's disease"
• Very high fatality

Transmission -

• contact with infected animals or animal products

Control

• Penicillin
• vaccination
• isolation & slaughter
• Disinfection