Anthrax
Description
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a
bacterium that forms spores. A bacterium is a very small
organism made up of one cell. Many bacteria can cause disease.
A spore is a cell that is dormant (asleep) but may come to life
with the right conditions.
There are three types of
anthrax:
▪ skin (cutaneous)
▪ lungs (inhalation)
▪ digestive (gastrointestinal)
Mode of Transmission
Anthrax is not known to spread from one person to another.
Anthrax from animals. Humans can become infected with
anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by
breathing in anthrax spores from infected animal products (like
wool, for example). People also can become infected with
gastrointestinal anthrax by eating undercooked meat from
infected animals.
Description
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a
bacterium that forms spores. A bacterium is a very small
organism made up of one cell. Many bacteria can cause disease.
A spore is a cell that is dormant (asleep) but may come to life
with the right conditions.
There are three types of
anthrax:
▪ skin (cutaneous)
▪ lungs (inhalation)
▪ digestive (gastrointestinal)
Mode of Transmission
Anthrax is not known to spread from one person to another.
Anthrax from animals. Humans can become infected with
anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by
breathing in anthrax spores from infected animal products (like
wool, for example). People also can become infected with
gastrointestinal anthrax by eating undercooked meat from
infected animals.
