Bacillus Anthhrax Infections

INTRODUCTION Bacillus anthracis has recently become popular as the causative agent of anthrax infections. Belonging to the bacillus species, the bacterium is considered, along with Bacillus cereus, to be of extreme medical importance. Until recently, the condition caused by the bacterium was rarely heard of. Although the bacterium is naturally found in the soil, its rare occurrences in humans have only been observed in those working with livestock or imported livestock products, therefore the disease was considered to be merely zoonotic.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Although anthrax is not currently considered to be a common infection, we have found, through descriptions found in the early literature of Greeks, Romans, and Hindus, to have
After being inhaled, B. anthracis spores will germinate within the warm, moist environment of the alveoli, and immediately multiply and release its virulent exotoxin into the lymphatic system. Once invading this system, the toxin can easily spread thoroughout the entire body, leading to toxemia. The initial symptoms observed are similar to a common cold, which will then lead to heavy breathing problems, and eventually toxic shock. In order to control this form of anthrax, immediate antibiotic use is required. Gastrointestinal anthrax, similar in toxin action to pulmonary anthrax, is considered to be the least common form of anthrax, and usually occurs following the consumption of B. anthracis contaminated meats. The initial symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, and severe vomiting. Further symptoms may also include diarrhea, vomiting of blood, abdominal pain, and fever. About 25% - 60% of all gastrointestinal anthax cases will result in
Both vaccines are composed of different bacterial products including components of the three exotoxin proteins and of two slime layer proteins. The US vaccine is administered subcutaneously, beginning as three biweekly injections at six, twelve and eighteen months. Following these initial inoculations, yearly boosters are required thereafter. On the other hand, the UK vaccine is administered in four doses, three doses at intervals of three weeks and the last dose six months following the third dose, also with yearly boosters