Abstract

For centuries, anthrax has been feared for its high mortality rates in humans and animals. Since Robert Koch demonstrated in 1876 that Bacillus anthracis was the sole cause of anthrax, the etiologic agent has been considered a potentially devastating bioweapon. But anthrax is a disease caused by toxins. The protein components that are encoded by the pXO1 virulence plasmid, which is found in pathogenic B. anthracis strains, are what create the toxins known as the edema toxin and the lethal toxin. Bacillus anthracis, the agent that causes anthrax, produces spores and lives for decades in the soil. A favorable climate change causes an outbreak. Anthrax has been reported in Australia, some parts of Europe, and the United States, where it is enzootic in many Asian and African nations. In animals, this disease has four clinical stages: peracute, acute, sub-acute, and chronic. Bacillus anthracis, the agent that causes anthrax, produces spores and lives for decades in the soil. A favorable climate change causes an outbreak. Anthrax has been reported in Australia, some parts of Europe, and the United States, where it is enzootic in many Asian and African nations. In animals, this disease has four clinical stages: peracute, acute, sub-acute, and chronic.