Definition

• 3 forms of anthrax disease
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Cutaneous
  • Inhalational
• Caused by Bacillus anthracis: a gram-positive, nonmotile, spore-forming rod found in soil
  
  • Predominantly a disease of herbivores, such as cattle, goats, and sheep
  • Can affect humans when they are exposed to infected animals or their tissues or when anthrax spores are used for bioterrorism
• Anthrax spores can remain viable for decades.
  • Destruction in decontamination activities can be a challenge.
  • Stability makes B. anthracis an ideal biological weapon.

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