Causes and pathogenesis of anthrax
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Causes of anthrax
The causative agent of anthrax is an anthrax bacillus (Bacillus anthracis) - a large immobile stick surrounded by a transparent capsule. There are vegetative and spore forms. Vegetative forms develop in a living organism or in young laboratory cultures.
Spores of anthrax bacteria in soil and water persist for dozens of years, in animal wool - several months, in animal skins - for years. In a living organism and a corpse, sporulation does not occur.
The virulence of anthrax bacteria is associated with the ability to form a capsule and produce exotoxin.
Anthrax pathogenesis
At the site of the introduction the pathogen multiplies and produces specific products of vital activity - a specific capsule and exotoxin.
When the skin becomes infected, anthrax carbuncle is formed - hemorrhagic-necrotic inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
From the sites of introduction, the pathogen moves by mobile macrophages into the nearest regional lymph nodes with the development of acute specific lymphangitis, lymphadenitis and sepsis.
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