Back to Basics: Some Background Information

In microbiology, the name of an organism frequently describes its shape or organization; bacillus refers to the rod shape of the microbe. Bacillus anthracis also is Gram positive, meaning that when a series of dyes are added, B. anthracis will stain purple. This organism also has two phases to help its survival: the vegetative state and the endospore state. The vegetative stage refers to the phase where the microbe is metabolically active. Endospores form for surviving through harsh conditions and can withstand various stresses (heat, chemicals, etc). When conditions are favorable, the endospore will transform back to the vegetative state.



Gram Stained Bacillus anthracis http://textbookofbacteriology.net/Anthrax.html



Bacillus anthracis is a very important and influential microorganism dating back to the nineteenth century.  A German scientist, Robert Koch, developed Koch’s Postulates to be able to determine the causative organisms for diseases. With these postulates, Koch was able to determine that the microbe, Bacillus anthracis caused anthrax.

Anthrax most commonly affects livestock, specifically hooved animals, but humans are at risk too. Three different types of anthrax infections exist: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form and occurs when spores come into contact with an open wound. Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when one eats contaminated meat. Respiratory anthrax results from a person inhaling the spores which settle in the lungs. This latter form is frequently considered the most dangerous and lethal of the three.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iJGmTUdx7c

^^For if you like videos better! Also, *warning*, there's a picture that some might not fare well with.

Hope you learned something new!

-Kelsey