GRAM-POSITIVE SPORE-FORMING BACILLI

Causative agent of anthrax. Largest pathogenic bacteria. Normally found in the soil; non-motile. Are capable of forming spores within the mother cell (endospores). May be effectively used as an agent of biologic warfare

• Bacillus anthracis
• Bacillus cereus

Also known as Fried Rice bacillus. Found within the soil and widely distributed in nature. Motile and β-hemolytic; non-encapsulated. Opportunistic pathogens and often associated with food-borne illness. Two types of symptoms: 1.) diarrheal, 2.) emetic

• Bacillus anthracis
• Bacillus cereus

Bacillus anthracis MOT

• Inoculation
• Injection
• Ingestion
• Inhalation

B. anthracis vfactor: inhibits phagocytosis

• Poly-glutamyl capsule
• Edema factor (EF)
• Protective antigen (PA)
• Lethal factor (LF)

B. anthracis vfactor: impairs neutrophil function, and causes massive edema

• Poly-glutamyl capsule
• Edema factor (EF)
• Protective antigen (PA)
• Lethal factor (LF)

B. anthracis vfactor: promotes entry of EF into phagocytic cells

• Poly-glutamyl capsule
• Edema factor (EF)
• Protective antigen (PA)
• Lethal factor (LF)

B. anthracis vfactor: stimulates the production of TNF and IL-1

• Poly-glutamyl capsule
• Edema factor (EF)
• Protective antigen (PA)
• Lethal factor (LF)

B. anthracis disease: - most common; associated with contact with infected animal products, inoculation of endospores through a break in the skin presents as eschar

• Cutaneous anthrax
• Gastrointestinal anthrax
• Inhalation anthrax
• Injectional anthrax

B. anthracis disease: - - results from the inhalation of spores; Woolsorter’s disease

• Cutaneous anthrax
• Gastrointestinal anthrax
• Inhalation anthrax
• Injectional anthrax

B. anthracis disease: - results from ingestion of endospores; least common

• Cutaneous anthrax
• Gastrointestinal anthrax
• Inhalation anthrax
• Injectional anthrax