Anthrax
Paul G. Auwaerter, M.D.
PATHOGENS
PATHOGENS
PATHOGENS
- Bacillus anthracis (Category A bioterrorism agent)
- Spore is a primary infectious form.
- Gram-positive, large rod-shaped organism [Fig 1]
- Virulence factors:
- Antiphagocytic capsule
- Exotoxins: why anti-toxin therapies have been developed given the prominence of these toxins in causing illness.
- Edema toxin (ET)
- Lethal toxin (LT)
- Protective antigen (PA) combines ET and LT, facilitating entry into cells and assisting in downregulating immune responses.
- B. anthracis antimicrobial resistance
- Many antibiotics appear useful with low MICs.
- High-level resistance may be seen for beta-lactams (both penicillins and cephalosporins), TMP-SMX and tetracycline class agents
- Tetracycline-resistance:
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