Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) is a Gram-positive, non-motile, aerobic, encapsulated, spore-forming bacterial rod that produces exotoxins. Although anthrax is a disease that primarily affects herbivorous animals such as cattle, sheep, and horses, it can affect humans as well. Infections associated with anthrax are transmitted to humans either by direct contact with an infected animal or person, by consumption of contaminated animal products, or by the inhalation of the exotoxins and the capsule produced by the spores. These toxins can lead to serious health-related problems such as edema, necrosis, and hemorrhages. Sources of infection can be classified in three types: cutaneous infections, inhalation anthrax, and gastrointestinal anthrax. Oropharyngeal anthrax and intestinal anthrax may occur if contaminated food or drink is ingested, such as infected meat or milk. Although person-to-person transmission is rare, it may occur if infectious discharges associated with cutaneous infection are spread.

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