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ANTHRAX
By: Robert Wheeler
Scientific Name
• Bacillus Anthracis
Classification
• There are around 34 different species inside
the Genus Anthrax.
• Rod shaped bacterium
Metabolism
• Can be grown under aerobic, or anaerobic
conditions.
Habitat
• Anthrax has the ability to live dormant on plants and in
soil for decades at a time.
• It has been decided the origin of Anthrax was Africa.
• This is due to the fact that there are two strains of Anthrax,
A and B. They can both be found in Africa but Anthrax B is
so rare it only appears in 11% of reported cases.
Adaptations
• Can form endospores
Gram
• Anthrax is a spore forming, gram positive
bacillus.
Endo or Exo?
• Bacillus Anthracis is a 3 protein exotoxin
• Anthrax toxin allows the bacteria to evade the
immune system, develop and flourish, then
ultimately kill the host animal
Function/ Impact on Environment
• It is usually a disease of animals such as
cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Pigs, Dogs,
and Cats are more resistant. Birds are
naturally resistant to anthrax in most cases.
Buzzards and vultures are naturally
resistant to anthrax but may carry the spores
on their talons and beaks.
3 Wow Facts
• The fifth plague, described in the book of
Genesis, may be among the earliest
descriptions of anthrax.
• Can be inhaled, obtained through dealing
with sick animals, or eating meat products
with it
• http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/cott
or_mick/index_files/Page689.htm
http://www.defencejournal.com/dec98/anthrax.htm