Gourt > Kids and Teens > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Anthrax
- For other uses, see Anthrax (disambiguation).
Overview
Anthrax infection is rare in humans though occasionally occurs in herbivores, such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and antelopes. Anthrax bacteria are present globally. The disease is more common in developing countries without veterinary public health programs while developed regions of the world (North America, Western and Northern Europe, and Australia) report fewer cases of anthrax in animals. There are 89 known strains of anthrax. The most widely recognized strain is the virulent Ames strain used in the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States.
The Vollum (also incorrectly referred to as Vellum) strain is also suitable for use as a biological weapon. The Vollum strain was isolated in 1935 from a cow in Oxfordshire, UK, and a variation of Vollum known as "Vollum 1B" was used during the 1960s in the US and UK bioweapon programs. Vollum 1B was isolated from William A. Boyles, a USAMRIID scientist who died from the Vollum strain in 1951. The Sterne strain, named after a South African researcher, is a benign form used for inoculations. Strains of anthrax differ in the presence and activity of various genes that determine their virulence and the production of antigens and toxins. For more information, see this list of strains.
Description of the bacterium
- See main article Bacillus anthracis
Bacteria and Viruses :: Living Things
September 11, 2001 :: United States
Anthrax: Separating Fear from Fact - Tells about recent cases of the disease. Also includes a chemical and biological weapons experts answers to common questions about the disease. From Time Magazine.
Meta Description: [ A new case in New York City frays fragile nerves. A biological weapons expert talks to TIME.com and answers your questions ]
Investigating Anthrax - Article from Time for Kids explains what this rare disease is and tells how the government is working to protect Americans from it.
Meta Description: [ The government works to reassure and protect Americans from this rare disease ]
Key Anthrax Discovery - Tells how a recent discovery could lead to new treatment without antibiotics.
Meta Description: [ Anthrax receptor found, could lead to new treatment without antibiotics ]
What is Anthrax? - Provides facts about this infectious disease that is making headlines.
Meta Description: [ You may have heard about anthrax in the news. But what exactly is anthrax, and should you be concerned about it? Find out all you need to know in this article written just for kids. ]
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