ANTHRAX - BIOLOGICAL THREAT IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The causative agent of the anthrax, sporeforming bacterial rod Bacillus anthracis was discovered by Robert Koch in the nineteenth century. The B. anthracis spores are highly resistant to inactivation and may be present in the soil, for decades and occasionally infecting grazing animals that ingest the spores. Hundred of years ago, anthrax was significant mainly as an economically damaging disease of domesticated animals. Once common where livestock was raised, it is now controlled through animal vaccination programs. Anthrax still occurs in countries where animals are not vaccinated, mainly in Africa and Asia. It does infrequently occur in many countries, including the United States.