NAVLE Multisystemic

Bovine Anthrax Study Guide

Anthrax is an acute, multisystemic zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium.

Overview and Clinical Importance

Anthrax is an acute, multisystemic zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium. It is one of the most important diseases in bovine practice due to its acute nature, high mortality, zoonotic potential, and bioterrorism concerns.

Anthrax has significant implications for public health, international trade, and food safety. The disease is notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) and requires immediate reporting to veterinary authorities.

Component Location Function
Protective Antigen (PA) pXO1 Binds to cellular receptors, facilitates toxin entry
Lethal Factor (LF) pXO1 Zinc metalloprotease that cleaves MAPK kinases
Edema Factor (EF) pXO1 Adenylyl cyclase that increases intracellular cAMP
Capsule pXO2 Antiphagocytic, weakly immunogenic

Etiology

Causative Agent

Bacillus anthracis is a large (3-5 μm long, 1-1.2 μm wide), Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium with the following characteristics:

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