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Alternative names Return to top
AnthraxDefinition Return to top
Bacillus anthracis is the species of aerobic spore-forming bactera that causes anthrax disease in humans and animals.Information Return to top
Livestock may become infected by eating or inhaling anthrax spores. Humans, especially farmers and individuals who work in slaughterhouses, may develop cutaneous anthrax through skin exposure to infected animals.
Humans can also develop inhalational anthrax by breathing in infected material. Anthrax infection is usually diagnosed by identifying the bacteria from skin blisters, blood, or other body fluids. The anthrax serology test can determine if a person has been exposed to Bacillus anthracis previously.
Update Date: 10/3/2003 Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by David N. Fisman, M.D., M.P.H., FRCP(C). Hamilton Department of Social and Public Health Services, and McMaster University Division of Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |