Anthrax
is an acute infectious disease that came into the limelight recently due to the Anthrax Attacks in the United States in the weeks following the September 2001 terror attacks, causing widespread panic. This report on Anthrax includes information on how the disease is caused, types of Anthrax, symptoms of the disease and its treatment. It also includes information on the 2001 Anthrax attacks in the U.S. And why anthrax is a good bioterrorism agent.
How is Anthrax Caused?
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium
"Bacillus anthracis' that is highly lethal in its virulent form. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic animals, but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals, tissue from infected animals, or high concentrations of anthrax spores.
Bacillus Anthracis
Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium which causes anthrax, is rod-shaped and about 1 by 6 micrometres in size. It was the first bacterium ever to be shown to cause disease by Robert Koch
in 1877. The bacteria normally rest in spore form in the soil, and can survive for decades in this state. When ingested by a plant eating animal, the bacteria starts to multiply and eventually kills the animal. They even continue to reproduce in the carcass but eventually revert back to the dormant spore state when they run out of nutrients. ("Bacillus anthracis.")
Types of Anthrax and Ways in Which it can Infect Humans
There are three types of anthrax, classified according to how it enters the human body:
1. through the intestines (gastrointestinal)
2. through the lungs (inhalation), or
3. through...
Diseases and Pathogens Pathogens Pathogens are disease-causing or infectious microorganisms (EPA 2011, Kennedy 2012). Some of them are often found in water from sewage discharges, leaking septic tanks, or runoff from feedlots. They enter the body and cause disease every day through the air we breathe, food, water or direct personal contact. The body's immune system is able to destroy many pathogens. When it cannot, infection occurs and the person gets sick.
Anthrax: An Attack on the United States Anthrax is an acute disease that is caused by a bacteria known as bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in lower-level vertebrates both wild and domestic, such as cows, goats, sheep, and camels. However, anthrax infection can also occur in humans when they are exposed to animals that are infected, or to tissue from these animals ("Anthrax," 2003). The anthrax infection in humans can
Epidemiological considerations anthracis originates in soil in a lot of regions of this world in which we live. Environmental aspects (for example plentiful precipitation subsequent to a phase of water dearth) might improve spore mass in soil, even though the precise impact of such features remains badly understood (Bell, Kozarsky, Stephens, 2002). The organism by and large subsists in the endospore shape in environment; germination of spores exterior to an animal
Consideration should be given to the development of a common form to be used by both law enforcement and epidemiology personnel. This form should allow the sharing of necessary information while protecting the confidentiality of victims (Department of Defense. 2000)." Criminal Investigation The criminal investigation is a critical step as it allows the law enforcement agencies and the health community to determine the cause of the attacks and the gravity of
Media Influence in the BU Controversy Terrorist attacks using biological weapons, and also the threat of widespread viruses and illnesses have prompted the creation of research labs as preventive measures to deal with these types of possible future problems. These research labs which study some of the most harmful pathogens and viruses known to mankind are now present all over the world in places like Australia, Russia, South Africa, The U.K.,
(16) The drug has better coverage against Gram-positive cocci and atypical pathogens, and it is able to achieve excellent penetration into respiratory fluids and tissues. One particular adverse effect of the drug is that it may result in gastrointestinal disturbances, and thereby affect the individual's metabolism. (17) e) How does metabolism influence clearance, bioactivity and elimination? At times, the metabolism does tend to affect the absorption and the clearance of
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