Osmosis video - Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)

Bacillus anthracis is an encapsulated, spore-forming, gram-positive bacteria bacterium that's known to cause anthrax. Anthrax can cause severe pulmonary, gastrointestinal, or cutaneous illnesses in humans. Anthrax can be transmitted via ingestion, inhalation, and skin invasion by the bacteria or its spores, often via direct interaction with infected animals.

It is more seen in agricultural regions where livestock are infected with the bacteria. Depending on the affected organs, it can present with a black necrotic skin lesion; fever, respiratory distress, abdominal pain, septic shock, and death if bloodstream infection occurs.