Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis and originated in animals. It is mainly transmitted to humans through cuts in the skin of people who work with infected livestock. This form of anthrax is known as cutaneous anthrax.
Anthrax exists as a bacterial endospore. In this form it is thought to be able to survive for at least a 100 years, maybe a 1000 years, or even a bomb! This is because endospores. An endospore is a dormant, tough, non-reproductive structure. The primary function of most endospores is to ensure the survival of a bacterium through periods of environmental stress. They are therefore resistant to ultraviolet and gamma radiation, desiccation, lysozyme, temperature, starvation, and chemical disinfectants.
Endospores are commonly found in soil and water, where they may survive for long periods of time.
Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis and originated in animals. It is mainly transmitted to humans through cuts in the skin of people who work with infected livestock. This form of anthrax is known as cutaneous anthrax.
Anthrax exists as a bacterial endospore. In this form it is thought to be able to survive for at least a 100 years, maybe a 1000 years, or even a bomb! This is because endospores. An endospore is a dormant, tough, non-reproductive structure. The primary function of most endospores is to ensure the survival of a bacterium through periods of environmental stress. They are therefore resistant to ultraviolet and gamma radiation, desiccation, lysozyme, temperature, starvation, and chemical disinfectants.
Endospores are commonly found in soil and water, where they may survive for long periods of time.
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