Bacillus Anthracis

Anthrax is a highly serious bacterial infection of livestock and animal by-products easily transmittable to humans. They are spores that can germinate rapidly on contact with human tissue. Due to the thick capsule it defies phagocytosis.

Phagocytosis – Neutrophils and Monocytes carry out *eating* invasive matter in the body.

Exotoxins -- a potent toxin formed and excreted by the bacterial cell. Most poisonous substance known to man.

Anthrax has been called woolsorter’s disease, rag pickers disease and charbon. It can be transmitted by inhalation, ingestion and contact with spores and have different symptoms such as;

Cutaneous – develops into a raised itchy area at the site of contact with the spore and progresses to a large blister and then to a black scab. Early detection and treatment will have a positive outcome. If allowed into the bloodstream the results can be fatal.

Gastrointestinal – ingestion of anthrax spores in poorly cooked meats results in passage to the intestines causing massive edema (swelling) that could obstruct the bowel, cause hemorrhaging and necrosis (death of surrounding tissue).

Pulmonary – highly fatal form which travels with dust into the airways and transported to the lymph nodes where they germinate and release exotoxins which causes hemorrhaging, swelling, lining of the lungs are compromised allowing fluid build-up, difficulty breathing, lack of oxygenation, noisy lung sounds and shock.

Meningeal – a very rare but highly fatal form resembling hemorrhagic meningitis as it flourishes quickly in the spinal fluid with hemorrhagic and neurological signs and symptoms.

Early detection of this disease must be identified quickly for successful treatment. Epidemics still occur in developing countries due to their lapsing in control programs. Treatment is usually with penicillin and tetracyclines. Extreme edema can be treated with hydrocortisone by intravenous.

Tetracyclines – Aureomycin, Achromycin and Declomycin

This disease can lie dormant in the soil for many years and easily reactivate itself and cause problems primarily of the blood. Since the microbes can reactivate it is often necessary to cremate infected livestock or bury it deeply in lime to prevent soil contamination. Burning fields may also be recommended.

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