Symptoms and Modes of Infection of Bacillus Anthracis

Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) is a bacterium that infects organisms through sporulation. Bacillus anthracis is can be aerobic (needs oxygen) or, facultative anaerobic (does not require oxygen). It is also a gram positive bacterium that can be found in the soil of humid and damp climates (Hicks, 2012). The bacterium is part of the species Bacillus Cereus (Koehler, 2009). It is known to infect life forms four different ways. Infection can be caused through digestion, eating food that is contaminated with the bacteria. Another way is through inhaling; which occurs through breathing in the spores. The third way of becoming infected is through the skin, known as cutaneous; this infection occurs through open wounds. The newest form discovered of infection is through injection; the use of needles (Hicks, 2012). Though it is not common to be found in wealthy countries; there have been numerous outbreaks in Europe and the United States. It is also being considered for bioterrorism (Sweeney, 2011). Symptoms of the early stages of anthrax can be misunderstood for less lethal conditions (Hicks, 2012). For patients with a possible anthrax infection can be determined by gram positive staining. It can also be diagnosed by confirmatory testing, such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) (Sweeney, 2011). PCR focuses on certain DNA strands for replication and identifying what the organism is (Genetic, 2014). Anthrax toxin antagonists can be considered for healing; but antibiotic therapy is the most common use of treatment (Sweeney, 2011).

Bacillus anthracis is a non-motile elongated rod-shaped bacterium that will generate dormant spores with or without oxygen. When the spores are exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide and warmth they adjust into a ro...

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... four deaths in England, and one death in Germany from injected anthrax. Tissue swelling and tissue infection of the injection site occurred from the first to tenth day after injection were reported in nine out of ten cases. Color change in the skin from anthrax is unnoticeable due to it being similar to injecting heroin. Other reported symptoms are excessive bleeding and edema; if not treated the infected person would begin to develop organ failure (Hicks, 2012).

In conclusion Bacillus anthracis is a bacterium that lives thrives in soil. It can infect its hosts in many ways. It can be lethal if not treated with the right antibiotics or surgery. Outbreaks are not common but when they did occur is was due to vegetative spores that were released from the bacterium. Anthrax infections can be complicated and symptoms can either be noticeable or not. It can be dangerous.