Anthrax

Anthrax is a severe disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax mainly affects herbivorous domestic animals such as goats, sheep, cattle, horses, and pigs. Preventing the occurrence of anthrax in animals is crucial to preventing human anthrax. At BioVenic, we are committed to developing innovative solutions through research and collaboration to combat anthrax.

Etiology of Anthrax

Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive bacterium of considerable size, characterized by its straight-ended morphology. It forms capsules in vivo, does not form spores, and has no flagella. Spores are formed under unfavorable environmental conditions.

Fig. 1 Diagram of the cell envelope structure of Bacillus anthracis.¹

Distribution of Anthrax

While Anthrax can occur in any part of the world, certain areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, and the Middle East, have reported higher incidence rates. In areas where livestock farming is common, anthrax is a major concern that endangers the well-being of animals, agricultural output, and human communities. Anthrax is rare in the US, but sporadic cases occur occasionally in herbivores.

Transmission of Anthrax

Two main ways to be infected with anthrax, namely,

• Ingestion of food or water contaminated with anthrax spores.
• Exposure of damaged skin to anthrax spores.

Pathogenesis of Anthrax

The pathogenesis of anthrax involves the entry and germination of Bacillus anthracis spores within the host, followed by colonization and production of toxins (lethal toxin and edema toxin). These toxins contribute to tissue damage, immune evasion, and systemic effects. The bacterium can invade and spread within the host, facilitated by its ability to survive within phagocytic cells and form a protective capsule.

Anthrax in Human People

Human cases of anthrax are relatively rare, and there are four main forms.

• Cutaneous Anthrax: Skin necrosis, ulceration, edema, and crusting.
• Inhalational Anthrax: Fever, chills, cough, chest tightness, muscle aches, dyspnea, cyanosis, sepsis, shock, coma, etc.
• Gastrointestinal Anthrax: Features include nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, and fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, and bloody stools, sometimes accompanied by massive ascites.
• Injection Anthrax: A specific type of anthrax, has not been reported in the US and is primarily linked to the use of contaminated heroin.

Anthrax in Animals

There are three types of anthrax infection in animals, and their clinical symptoms are as follows.

• The most acute type: Mainly occurs in sheep and some cattle, the onset is sharp, suddenly standing unsteadily, shaking, dyspnea, visible mucous membrane cyanosis, coma, lying down, whole body trembling, palpitation hyperactivity, sheep died within a few minutes.
• The acute type: More occurs in cattle and some horses, with body temperature up to 40-42℃, dyspnea, visible mucous membrane cyanosis, bleeding points, initial constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea later, blood in the stool, dark red urine, pregnancy livestock abortion, sick animals are excited and restless, coma in the later stage, body temperature drops sharply during the dying period.
• Subacute type: Local swelling of the neck, chest, lower abdomen, scapula, breast, rectum, and oral mucosa forms anthrax, with hot pain at the initial stage, cold and painless in the later stage, and necrotic ulcers in the central part.

Symptoms of livestock death include hemorrhage from natural holes, soy sauce-colored blood that is difficult to coagulate, and incomplete rigor.

Diagnosis of Anthrax

Laboratory testing plays an important role in identifying and confirming the Bacillus anthracis. Samples obtained from suspected cases, such as blood, skin swabs, or respiratory secretions, require bacterial culture, microscopy, immunodiagnostics, or molecular testing.

We provide customers with the above-mentioned immunodiagnostics and molecular diagnostics development services. Besides, you can also find some anthrax-related products at BioVenic.

Treatment of Anthrax

Prompt medical intervention is essential in managing anthrax cases. Antibiotic therapy forms the cornerstone of treatment, targeting the bacterium and preventing further disease progression. Depending on the severity and form of the disease, specific antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and penicillin-based drugs may be administered. Supportive care, including fluid resuscitation and respiratory support, may also be necessary in severe cases.

Prevention and Control of Anthrax

BioVenic recommends the following comprehensive measures to control the anthrax outbreak and protect public health.

• Vaccination
  Regular vaccination of livestock in areas where anthrax has occurred. We provide development services for custom acellular vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, and other vaccines against anthrax.
• Surveillance and Early Detection
  Establish a strong surveillance system and report outbreaks promptly.
• Quarantine and Movement Restrictions
  When anthrax cases are found, quarantine measures should be taken to limit the movement of livestock.
• Correctly Handle Sick Animals
  Generally, no treatment will be given to the confirmed sick animals, and they will be treated harmlessly after culling. If special animals need to be treated, strict isolation and protection conditions must be followed.
• Ensure the Source of Livestock
  Do not buy livestock such as cattle and sheep from anthrax epidemic sites and epidemic areas
• Public Education and Awareness
  Raising awareness about anthrax among the public, livestock owners, and healthcare professionals.

BioVenic is dedicated to advancing the understanding and control of anthrax. Through continuous research, collaboration with experts, and the development of innovative products, BioVenic aims to provide effective vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutic solutions for animals. If you want to be our partner, please feel free to contact us.

Anthrax FAQs

Reference

1. Chateau, Alice, et al. "The Bacillus anthracis cell envelope: composition, physiological role, and clinical relevance." Microorganisms 8.12 (2020): 1864.