Anthrax, cutaneous

Paul G. Auwaerter, M.D.

PATHOGENS

  • Bacillus anthracis
    • B. anthracis is a Gram-positive spore-forming bacillus that may remain stable in the environment for decades.
      • On Gram stain, rods form filamentous-like strands [Fig 1].
    • Pathogenesis results from spore entry via skin (cutaneous anthrax) or lungs (inhalation anthrax).
      • The vegetative form causes disease due to toxin production: Protective antigen (PA), which combines with edema factor (EF) to form edema toxin (ET) and with PA to form lethal toxin (LT)

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