Infectious disease

Bacillus anthracis song

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Bacillus anthracis

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Key points in this song10

Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive, spore-forming rod that produces a polypeptide capsule (poly-D-glutamate) that inhibits phagocytosis — the only known bacterial capsule made of protein, not polysaccharide.
Anthrax toxin consists of three components: protective antigen (PA), edema factor (EF), and lethal factor (LF); PA binds host cells and acts as a transporter for EF and LF to enter cells.
Edema factor is a calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase that increases cAMP, causing massive edema; lethal factor is a metalloprotease that cleaves MAP kinase signaling, leading to macrophage apoptosis and cytokine dysregulation.
Cutaneous anthrax presents as a painless papule that progresses to a black eschar with surrounding non-pitting edema — the classic "malignant pustule" seen after contact with animal hides or wool.
Inhalational anthrax (woolsorter's disease) presents with a widened mediastinum on chest X-ray due to hemorrhagic mediastinitis — a classic radiographic finding — without consolidation typical of pneumonia.
Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs after ingesting undercooked contaminated meat and presents with bloody diarrhea, ascites, and high mortality.
Anthrax is a Category A bioterrorism agent; inhalational anthrax has the highest mortality and is the primary bioweapon concern.
Treatment of anthrax is ciprofloxacin or doxycycline; penicillin G is used if the strain is susceptible and is the historical first-line agent.
Post-exposure prophylaxis after inhalational exposure requires 60 days of ciprofloxacin or doxycycline combined with anthrax vaccine to prevent germination of dormant spores.
Anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) is recommended for military personnel and high-risk laboratory workers; it targets protective antigen and prevents toxin-mediated disease.