What disease is caused by Bacillus anthracis?

Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a serious infectious disease. This bacterium can form spores that survive in harsh environmental conditions and can be transmitted to humans and animals through the handling of contaminated products, ingestion of contaminated food, or inhalation of spores.

Anthrax presents in several forms: cutaneous (through skin contact), gastrointestinal (through ingestion), and inhalational (through breathing in spores), each with different clinical manifestations. The severity of the disease depends on the route of exposure, but without appropriate treatment, anthrax can be fatal.

Understanding the characteristics of Bacillus anthracis and its pathology is essential for identifying and managing anthrax outbreaks effectively, particularly given its potential use as a bioterrorism agent.