The Killer Spore Anthrax Sara Bornstein

Bacillus Anthracis Anthrax is a bacteria, with a few specific characteristics: Anthrax has a thick outer capsule, with a polysaccharides specific to anthrax Anthrax is most likely an endospore, where it can remain dormant for long periods of time Anthrax is able to by lysed by Viruses Has DNA Gram positive

Infected! First way of getting anthrax is by inhaling, which is the most deadly. Anthrax enters into the body by breathing, which is called inhalation anthrax or pulmonary anthrax. Anthrax attacks the lungs and sometimes spreads to the brain. Cutaneous anthrax is when spores enter a cut or abrasion, causing skin infection at the site. It is Mildest and most common form of anthrax. Intestinal anthrax is rare, usually from unprocessed meat from an animal that had anthrax. Causes stomach inflammation and sores or lesions.

Anthrax in History In 1881, a man named Louis Pasteur created the first anthrax vaccine. In 2001, there was a major outbreak of Anthrax, sent to important senators and buildings in Washington. Anthrax was contained in each of the letters sent.

Cutaneous Anthrax Symptoms Cutaneous is the least deadly form of Anthrax, and is also the most common % die of this form. Cutaneous anthrax symptoms include: An itchy, raised area that resembles an insect bite Inflammation A blister with a black center due to dying tissue Shivering Chills

Pulmonary Anthrax Symptoms Pulmonary Anthrax is the most deadly and aggressive form of Anthrax, with 100% death rate of patients who do not receive treatment. Pulmonary anthrax symptoms are flu-like, and include: Fever Fatigue Headache Shortness of breath As early as one day after these symptoms appear, or as long as two weeks later, bronchitis will form. Then difficulty breathing and finally shock.

Intestinal Anthrax Symptoms Intestinal Anthrax is the most rare form, with 25-50% of people dying from it. Symptoms include: Stomach and intestinal inflammation Lesions on the stomach (They resemble the blisters formed by Cutaneous anthrax.) Nausea Vomiting Loss of appetite Fever Abdominal Pain Vomiting Blood Severe bloody diarrhea

Diagnosis To see if anthrax is present, first samples are take from spinal fluid, blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions. There scientist will test to see if the bacteria are anthrax. There methods include: Capsular straining To see if Anthrax can be lysed by gamma phages Checking Anthrax interactions with red blood cells Checking the movement of Anthrax

Treatment The treatment for anthrax are high doses of the antibiotics penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin's, and Ciprofloxacin is the most efficient. Even if these are given, sometimes it is too late, especially in cases of pulmonary anthrax.

Prevention Anthrax is a bacteria that lives in the soil, and mainly infects animals. Ways of preventing anthrax is: Burning instead of burying dead animal carcasses Ventilation when processing hides, fur, wool, or hair Do not eat improperly prepared food In case of a 2001 incident Putting mail through radiation Washing hands is the most practical for the US postal service. The vaccine given to the owners and the processors of animals, and the animals themselves is 93% effective

In Conclusion… Bacillus anthracis is a bacterium that is found in the form of endospores, living in the soil. The bacteria can infect the skin, lungs, or intestine when they enter a human or more likely livestock. With them being able to be spores, using anthrax as a biological weapon would kill an army if inhaled. Anthrax is rare in the US, with a vaccine available, first perfected by Louis Pasteur. Anthrax is a bacterium able to be control, if discovered early, with antibiotics. Website:

Works Cited Louis Pasteur. (2010) Homepage of the Chemical Heritage Foundation. Retrieved from resources/chemistry-in- history/themes/pharmaceuticals/preventing-and-treating- infectious-diseases/pasteur.aspx Lee, L., & Lerner, B. W. (2012). Anthrax Investigation of 2001 Murders. Detroit: Science in Context Turkington, Carol A. (2011) "Anthrax." The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Ed. Laurie J. Fundukian. 4th ed. Detroit: Gale: Science In Context Staff, M. C. (2011, June 09). Definition. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from resources/chemistry-in- history/themes/pharmaceuticals/preventing-and-treating- infectious-diseases/pasteur.aspx