Bacillus anthracis infection is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that produces anthrax, a disease that is fatal to cattle and, sometimes, people. It occurs naturally in soil. People afflicted with anthrax may come into touch with sick livestock or contaminated meat products. Anthrax may cause significant illness in both animals and humans.
Anthrax spores that penetrate the body may cause infection. Anthrax spores may become “active” once they have entered the host. Once the bacteria have multiplied, they can move throughout the body, produce toxins, and lead to a serious sickness. People may experience this when they inhale spores, consume spore-contaminated food or beverages, or come into contact with spores through cuts or skin scrapes. Additionally, bioterrorism exploits this bacteria.
