Anthrax has been around for tens of thousands of years. Anthrax is a bacterial
infection caused by Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax belongs to a group of
bacteria that are capable of forming spores. A spore is a very resistant capsule
that forms around the anthrax bacteria, similar to a seed. The spore allows
anthrax to survive conditions that would normally kill bacteria, such as a low-nutrient
environment, and extreme temperatures.
This ability to form spores is now being exploited by terrorists who have
mixed anthrax spores in a very fine powder in order to spread anthrax through
the air. If enough spores are inhaled from floating anthrax powder an infection
can occur. When conditions are right, such as a moist environment with lots
of nutrients (as is found in the human body), the anthrax bacteria will be triggered
to multiply and an anthrax infection occurs. The anthrax bacterium releases
deadly toxins that contribute to severe symptoms and death.
Anthrax is not transmitted by person-to-person contact, that is, it is not
contagious. There are several forms of anthrax infections including skin (cutaneous),
intestinal and inhalation (the most serious). Skin anthrax is the most common
form of anthrax and occurs in people who have had contact with anthrax spores
through a cut or scrape in the skin (either through handling animals or animal
products that are contaminated with anthrax or by handling materials that have
been intentionally contaminated). Intestinal anthrax occurs in people who have
eaten improperly cooked meat from an animal that has been infected with anthrax.
It is quite rare for meat to be contaminated with the bacteria that causes anthrax
in North America. Therefore, intestinal anthrax is very rare on this continent.
The most serious form of anthrax is inhalation anthrax, which occurs when anthrax
spores are inhaled. Inhaled anthrax often causes death if not treated in the
early stages. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the symptoms of this
infection and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
Anthrax obtained from natural sources is very rare. However, anthrax can be
produced in laboratories and may be used as an agent of biological warfare.
Anthrax, if used in this manner, can cause serious disease if the spores are
inhaled.
