What Is Anthrax
Anthrax is a potentially fatal disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax bacteria are naturally occurring, with spores found in soil throughout the world. These spores can withstand extreme heat, cold, ultraviolet (UV) light, gamma radiation, and drought for long periods without nutrients or air.
Infection occurs when the spores enter the body through a cut, abrasion, or open sore or by ingestion or inhalation of the spores. Once inside the body, anthrax spores germinate into bacteria that then multiply and secrete three proteins: protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF). Individually, these proteins are non-toxic, but they can become lethal if allowed to combine and interact on and within the cells of the exposed human or animal.
Inhalational anthrax is the most lethal form of anthrax, with fatality rates reaching up to 90%, depending on whether aggressive treatment is provided soon enough after exposure. Because of their size — between 2 and 6 microns in diameter — anthrax spores can be easily aerosolized and occupy the lower respiratory mucosa in humans when inhaled. Accordingly, aerosolized anthrax spores are the form most likely to be used in an anthrax bioterrorism attack.
A vaccine is available for pre-exposure protection against anthrax.
Click here to learn more about BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed)
BioThrax may not protect all individuals vaccinated, particularly patients with impaired immune responses due to congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, or immunosuppressive therapy. Individuals are not considered protected until they have completed the full vaccination series.
