Distinguish between cutaneous and pulmonary anthrax, and
describe how anthrax is controlled.
Anthrax refers to a serious bacterial infection in humans and animals, mainly sheep and cattle. The infection primarily affects the lungs and the skin. It can cause severe skin ulceration and a form of pneumonia. The causative agent of the anthrax is Bacillus anthracis. There are mainly three forms of anthrax infection – Cutaneous (skin), Gastro-intestinal (stomach and intestine), and pulmonary (lungs).
When the spores of the Bacillus anthracis get into the skin of an individual through a scrape or cut or a wound, the person can develop cutaneous anthrax. The skin on the neck, forearms, hands and scalp are the most affected areas by cutaneous anthrax.
When an individual inhales the spores of Bacillus anthracis, he/she may develop pulmonary anthrax. It may lead to several complications like anthrax meningitis if left untreated.
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