Anthrax

Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It reaches people by contact with the skin, by inhalation or by intestinal absorption, and it is spread by contact with the bacterium's spores, which often appear in infected animal products. It does not typically spread directly between people. The skin form presents with a small blister that often turns into a painless ulcer with a black center, the inhalation form with fever, chest pain and shortness of breath, and the intestinal form with diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Robert Koch was the first to identify Bacillus anthracis as the bacterium that causes anthrax. A vaccine is recommended for people at high risk of infection, such as those who work with animals or animal products and military personnel.