How is anthrax infection studied? anthrax infection can be classified in various ways. Nature of anthrax infection ClearlyExplained.Com This covers the basic biology and linked with anthrax infection Treatment of anthrax infection ClearlyExplained.Com This is the practical application of science to help treat anthrax infection, including treatments. The infection is typically treated by massive doses of antibiotics. Typically this is penicillin G or streptomycin. updated: Currently the antibiotic of choice is Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride . Here is the FDA FAQ on it   A vaccine could be used for prevention. Vaccines ClearlyExplained.Com

How does the infection occur? Anthrax can be infective if between 8,000- 50,000 spores are inhaled. Here are examples of bacteria turning into spores, these are called endospores at this stage. Typically the spores are inhaled and can develop into bacteria , that then infect the many small air sacs in the lung. This tends to be the most dangerous form. Skin infections by anthrax are less severe and a more easily treated. updated: Anthrax produces toxins that act like enzymes. The toxins (called exotoxins) are made from 3 separate proteins that are controlled by a bacterial plasmid ( a small ring of DNA).   However, the university of Wisconsin provides some useful insights into Anthrax, which includes some good advice on not worrying too much. Scientific American has a useful article in relation to how the infection works Reference: Prescot L.M, Harley, J.P et al (1993) Microbiology second edition. Wm.C. Brown Publishers

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What is the history of anthrax infection?   Anthrax was one of the first diseases to be analysed and isolated by Robert Koch (1843 - 1910), the founder of modern microbiological techniques.

The disease anthrax has been around for as long as animals, mammals in particular. The early days it is was an occupational hazard of working with livestock, as spores would develop and get stuck in the wool/skin of animals. The workers often got skin infections and sometimes inhaled if they were in a closed environment.   The disease was also investigated by John Bell, a British doctor in the mid 1800s who noticed the relationship between anthrax and woolsorters disease.

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The future of anthrax infection? The main focus of the future of anthrax is developing a vaccine for its prevention. Eurka Alert: Bacillus anthracis search provides some of the very latest research findings.

Here are some examples of the kind of research related to anthrax vaccines The Cochrane institute provides a study for anthrax vaccine Ohio State University with study for anthrax vaccine The (US) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease provides links to studies on Anthrax.

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Disclaimer:

Although every care has been taken to make this site useful, this site does not provide anthrax infection advice. You should consult your doctor for anthrax infection advice specific to you.

 

 

About the Author

Richard, has worked explaining science for the past 10 years, including at Questacon, Mount Stromlo, CSIRO, the Maritime Museum in Greenwich, and various schools in South East London. He studied immunology and biochemistry at ANU.