Once in the skin tissues, *B. anthracis* endospores germinate and produce a capsule, which prevents the bacteria from being phagocytized, and two binary exotoxins that cause edema and tissue damage. The first of the two exotoxins consists of a combination of protective antigen (PA) and an enzymatic lethal factor (LF), forming lethal toxin (LeTX). The second consists of protective antigen (PA) and an edema factor (EF), forming edema toxin (EdTX).

Virulence Factors of Anthrax

The zoonotic disease anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, endospore-forming, facultative anaerobe.

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Anthrax mainly affects animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, and deer, but can be found in humans as well. Sometimes called wool sorter’s disease, it is often transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or animal products, such as wool or hides.

Anthrax

The term bacillus (plural: bacilli) refers to rod-shaped prokaryotic cells. In taxonomy, Bacillus is also a genus of low G+C gram-positive bacteria, many of which can form resilient endospores.

Bacillus

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

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*Bacillus anthracis*

Eschar at the site of infection may lead to septicemia and can be fatal.

Signs and Symptoms of Anthrax

Which of the following statements is true about Bacillus bacteria?

What characteristic allows Bacillus bacteria to survive in harsh environmental conditions?

Which of the following best describes the shape and survival mechanism of Bacillus bacteria?

Which of the following is a defining feature of Bacillus bacteria?

Bacillus cereus is a species of low G+C gram-positive bacteria in the genus Bacillus that can cause opportunistic infections of the human gastrointestinal tract.

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