Anthrax: Zoonotic Bacterial Infection

ANTHRAX

Anthrax is a zoonotic bacterial infection that can be transmitted either through contact with affected animals or as a biological weapon (Jones 4). Its use in biological warfare has, however, been controlled and such cases are very few. The few cases have stirred the attention of most people, which has consequently increased public awareness in the disease. It normally affects ruminant animals such as cattle, horses, goats and sheep and then transmitted to humans. Humans cannot transmit the infectious bacteria to other humans.

Causes

The main cause of anthrax was identified by Dr. Robert Koch, as the Bacillus Anthracis bacteria (Paolo 104). The German physician who was curious about the mysterious death of animals in his community.

The area of infections swells but the ugly sore can disappear without treatment. The Bacillus Anthracis spores can also be ingested by animals after which, the spores turn into its rod-like form, and their carcasses are then ingested by other animals or humans (Jones 5). The ingestion of the anthrax causing Bacillus Anthracis can lead to a fatal infection. However, infection through inhalation is the most potent form that one can contract anthrax. Once the spores are inhaled, they move to the chest where they enter the lymph glands. They then multiply and spread as well as release toxins that often lead to fatalities. Cases of human anthrax infections in most developed countries are quite rare. The few cases reported worldwide are isolated to underdeveloped countries that do not have public health resources and regulations, which not only prevent humans from infection, but also animals, as well as its spread through animal products. Most infections through ingestion involve the slaughter of infected animals and distribution of their meat products. There have also been increased reports of skin infections mainly with individuals who work with leather and more specifically drum makers who use raw leather. However, most people in developed nations only have to worry about anthrax infections when the Bacillus Anthracis bacteria are used in biological warfare. In 2001, the US postal system was used to mail anthrax spores to

The fact that it is a zoonotic infectious disease means that its prevention has to include both human elements, as well as animal elements. The prevention of animal infections is the first line of defense against anthrax. There are currently veterinary vaccinations for animals, which ensures that they develop immunity against the Bacillus Anthracis bacteria spores. Healthy animals do not spread zoonotic diseases to human. The second line of defense involves controlling the contact between people and any infected animals, as well as their products. There is currently a vaccine that can be used on individuals who work in anthrax prone environments such as vets, people engaged in the military duty, laboratory technicians who work with infectious diseases and workers in factories that process goat hair imported from different parts of the world. The efficacy of human vaccines is, however, low which means that they have to be administered regularly. The fact that the vaccine has possible side effects in some people has also limited its use to high risk individuals. The CDC, as well as the department of defense, have different strategies that prevent the use of anthrax as a biological weapon (Lutwick and Lutwick 12). Currently, vaccines are injected into the fat or muscle that is under the skin, but there are positive indications of an oral vaccine in the