Anthrax Part 1: Bacillus anthracis

In part one of this series on anthrax, Lynne will answer last week’s question about why scientists in the second half of the 1800s were so interested in studying the bacteria responsible for anthrax. But also, she will explain how the bacteria works, how it can infect humans, how it causes life-threatening and fatal illness, and how it is treated. As a bonus, Helen explains the terms “gram positive” and “gram negative” bacteria.  

Sources:

1. Anthrax: A disease of biowarfare and public health importance by Ajay Kumar Goel

2. Review of anthrax: A disease of farm animals by Emtaj Alam MD et. al.

3. Current Status and Trends in Prophylaxis and Management of Anthrax Disease by Vladimir Savransky, Boris Ionin, and Joshua Reece