Bacillus anthracis

Background

Gram-positive bacillus that is distinguished from other Bacillus by being non-motile and non-hemolytic
Colonies are gray, flat, and may have a "Medusa head" or "comet" appearance
The main toxin has subunits A and B
- A subunit may be either EF (edema factor) or LF (lethal factor)
- B subunit is the protective antigen, against which antibodies react
Lives in soil
Wild and farm animals that have contact with contaminated soil is a common exposure, including to wool and animal hides
Can also be acquired by inhalation of spores

Caused by inoculation of spores into soft tissue
Incubation period of 2 to 5 days
Lesion develops at site of inoculation, starting as erythemaous papule, then ulceration, then eschar
May progress to sepsis

Caused by inhalation of spores
Also known as woolsorter's disease
Start with malaise, fever, and nonproductive cough, followed by respiratory distress, severe pulmonary edema, and death