Virulence Factors and Immunology

Spore-forming, gram positive, rod-shaped bacterium. 1-1.2 m (width) 3-5 m (length) Can be grown in aerobic or anaerobic conditions.

Normally rests in an endospore form that can last for decades.

 What makes bacillus anthracis particularly pathogenic is its relatively unique ability to synthesize a tripartite toxin composed of three proteins that work together to enter a cell and disrupt the signaling pathways.
Protective Antigen (PA) Edema Factor (EF) Lethal Factor (LF).

Note: With the exception of the EF, these toxins are not lethal on their own, it is their combination that creates anthraxs virulence.

 Upon entering the bloodstream, the bacterias secretion of PA paves the way for LF to enter cells. As its name implies, lethal factor then kills the cells; which release inflammatory agents that bring on septic shock and then death. EF is the third toxin. It causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs or other impacted parts of the body (edema means swelling caused by an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fluid). EF is doubly dangerous: It can be lethal by itself, and it also greatly increases the potency of the

 EF disables a molecule in the host called calmodulin, which is used to regulate many chemical reactions in the body. The end result of the activity of the toxic factors of Bacillus anthracis is to stop the immune response and so, to allow the infection to spread. As the bacteria gain a foothold, toxins enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, rapidly causing destruction of blood cells and tissues

Anthrax infections are difficult to treat because the initial symptoms are similar to other, less serious infections, such as the flu. By the time the diagnosis is made, the infection can be too advanced to treat.

 A vaccine for anthrax does exist.

To date, only those at high risk for infection (soldiers, workers in meat processing plants, anthrax research scientists) have received the vaccine, due to the possible serious side effects that can occur.
One promising target is the protective antigen of the capsule. If the action of this antigen could be blocked, the bacteria would not be able to hide inside host cells, and so could be more effectively dealt with by the immune response and with antibiotics.