Bacillus anthracis, a species of gram-positive, facultative anaerobe that causes anthrax, a disease primarily of cattle and sheep. The spores of this organism, if inhaled, can cause a pulmonary form of anthrax in humans. When in contact with skin, it causes inflammatory lesions. It can also cause disease when ingested. Spores can live for many years in animal products, such as hides and wool, and in soil. In powdered and aerosol form it has been used as a biological weapon. If detected early enough, B. anthracis infections can be stopped by using antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin. See also anthrax, woolsorter’s disease.
