theanthraxblog-blog

[theanthraxblog-blog]

News From The Past

3 years ago, the Pentagon (headquarters of the United States Department of Defense) accidentally shipped live samples of the Bacillus Anthracis virus to 9 states, including a US air base in South Korea. Thankfully there was no known risk to the general public. 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/may/27/pentagon-live-anthrax-accident 

Contributed by: Alanice

[theanthraxblog-blog]

The Deadly Combination Of Anthrax, Hippos and Hunger

Animal anthrax infections are fairly common in the wild. However, infections transmitted from animals to humans aren’t. 

So what caused a local outbreak of anthrax in both hippos and humans in Zambia in 2011?

Studies and investigations concluded that the dry season caused a shortage of food for wildlife and humans. Hippos chomped down bare grasslands and pulled plants’ roots out of the soil, exposing them to anthrax. When these hippos died from their anthrax infections, humans ate their carcasses, which caused the transmission of anthrax from the hippos to the humans. 

More than 500 cases of anthrax were reported in that area, with at least 5 deaths. 

However, locals still said that they would still consume the meat even if there was a risk of contracting anthrax. In Zambia, locals aren’t allow to hunt for food due to wildlife being protected, but scavenging is a different thing. It was a good thing for them to find animal carcasses that they could bring home to their family and provide a meal for themselves. 

"Food insecurities appear to be the primary reason for handling and consuming meat from animals found dead,” said Melissa Marx, an assistant professor of international health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who investigated the 2011 anthrax incidents in Zambia. 

Locals have been warned about consuming dodgy bush meat during the dry season. Moreover, an adequate food supply should prevent them from scavenging. 

References: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/08/16/543900930/hippos-anthrax-and-hunger-make-a-deadly-mix

Contributed by: Joshua

[theanthraxblog-blog]

A Piece Of History

Everyone knows about the Anthrax Attacks that occurred in October 2001, but do they know about who was the prime suspect that caused the deadly attack that killed 5 and infected 17 others?

Bruce Edwards Ivins, was the prime suspect of the attack. However, before charges could be pressed against him, he committed suicide by overdosing on Tylenol with codeine. Although still unclear the reason behind the attacks, 8 years later, the FBI left the case to rest, without arresting any other possible accomplices. 

The Anthrax Attacks of 2001 serves as a reminder that bioterrorism is a very real thing and that it could happen to anyone in anywhere. We should be prepared against these kinds of situations so that it can be under control. 

Contributed by:Anabel 

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Fears For WW3: Britain Makes Anthrax Vaccine Available Amid Chemical Attack Preparations

Soon after the Salisbury poisonings, the UK made a decision to make anthrax vaccine available, due to Anthrax being listed as the most dangerous biological weapons. 

Back in March 2018,  Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, announced that soldiers “at the highest readiness” would be provided with the anthrax vaccine “providing them with vital protection”.

Due to the advancement in science and medicine, the threat of a biological attack from terrorists are higher than it was 50 years ago. It should be every country leader’s responsibility to be prepared against these kinds of bioterrrorism which have the potential to kill hundreds and even thousands.

Read More At: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/946274/ww3-anthrax-fears-vaccine-chemical-weapons-britain-gavin-williamson

Contributed by: Adika

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Is It Worth To Spend USD$25 Million For Stockpile Treatment For Anthrax Attacks ?

Project BioShield, a US program in Washington, is preparing to spend $25.2 million on anthrax treatment for the Strategic National Stockpile. To some, this news may be not be shocking, as anthrax is a internationally known bacteria that can be potentially used for bioterrorism. This was evident in the Anthrax Attacks in 2001, which claimed the lives of 5 and infecting 17 others. 

“Protecting the American people from 21st century threats, such as anthrax, remains a high priority for the department," HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec said.

However, the topic with regards to protecting American people might not be practical as it is not feasible to provide immediate healthcare to all 325.7 million Americans. Moreover, it might take time to develop these antibiotics, which poses as a problem as anthrax attacks may take place anytime before the complete production of the antibiotics. 

Read More At: https://sputniknews.com/us/201804241063843034-usa-anthrax-treatment-millions/

Contributed by: Alanice

[theanthraxblog-blog]

The way that people think about [nuclear weapons] is on a much, much grander scale than biological weapons, and I think that's a misperception

Summary

Everyone should know about the bacteria that was made famous to the public due to the Anthrax Attacks back in 2001, Anthrax. There has been debate about how bio-terrorism may potentially cause more casualties than nuclear weapons. Anthrax has so much capability to be mass-produced due to its spores, which remain viable for a long time. The only way to prevent a massive outbreak is to vaccinate a country’s citizens. However, that might not be feasible due to the vast amount of people and because of individuals’ beliefs against vaccinations. The question is, how ready is a country prepared for a potential Anthrax Attack? Even developed countries such as the United States weren’t as prepared 17 years ago during the incident. We might be in a much better place than we were in 2001, but will we be able to face an act of bio-terrorism?

Read More at CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2018/06/20/health/anthrax-threat-cdc-preparedness/index.html

References: 

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.2gb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/02/Bioterrorism.jpg 

Contributed by: Joshua

[theanthraxblog-blog]

INNOVATIVE DUAL ACTION ANTHRAX VACCINE-ANTITOXIN COMBINATION

“La Jolla, CA – A collaboration between scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and The Scripps Research Institute led to the development of a new and highly effective agent that provides protection against anthrax by combining a fast-acting anthrax toxin inhibitor with a vaccine in a single compound.

The new study, led by Scripps research scientists Anette Schneemann, Ph.D., and Marianne Manchester, Ph.D., and John A.T. Young, Ph.D., a professor in the Infectious Disease Laboratory at Salk, was published...” <read more here>

References: 

Innovative dual action anthrax vaccine-antitoxin combination. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.salk.edu/news-release/innovative-dual-action-anthrax-vaccine-antitoxin-combination/

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.raps.org/RAPS/media/news-images/news-images/iStock_000005434846_Small.jpg

Contributed by: Anabel

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Hungary identifies another case of anthrax

“...An infection of deadly anthrax has been identified in beef in Heves county in eastern Hungary and one person showing symptoms is receiving medical treatment, the veterinary authority NEBIH said in a statement on its website late on...” <read more here>

References: 

Hungary identifies another case of anthrax - NY Daily News. (2014, July 08). Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/hungary-identifies-anthrax-case-article-1.1858678

Contributed by: Adika

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Discovery of how toxins work could improve treatment

Anthrax disease is lethal. Many researchers and scientist have been constantly finding cures and treatment for anthrax. Antibiotics, such as Cipro can kill anthrax and save lives, but that is if the infection is the infection is spotted quickly enough. Toxins from bacillus anthracis however, may still built up within the body and cause undesired consequences, even death. 

Not to worry, new drugs have been made to enhance the treatment for anthrax disease. The invention of this new drug is based on 3 proteins produced by anthrax. First, “Lethal factor”, which uses toxin to interfere with the immune system. Second, “Edema factor”, which cause swelling and shock. Lastly, “protective antigen”, allow the bacteria to pry open protein from host cell. The drug aims to inhibit at least one of these 3 proteins and thus inhibits anthrax function. 

<read more here>

References: 

Russell, S. (2012, January 31). Disarming anthrax / Discovery of how toxins work could improve treatment. Retrieved from https://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Disarming-anthrax-Discovery-of-how-toxins-work-2867309.php

Contributed by: Alanice

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Is it true that jackals can be immune to anthrax?

Jackals are medium-sized omnivorous mammals of the genus Canis © Eric Lafforgue / Art in All of Us / Getty

Black-backed jackals in Etosha National Park occasionally feed on the carcasses of zebra, springbok and wildebeest that have been struck down by anthrax.

The herbivores pick up the disease as they munch on plants, by ingesting spores of anthrax bacteria lying dormant in soil where... <read more here>

References: 

Is it true that jackals can be immune to anthrax? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.discoverwildlife.com/animals/mammals/it-true-jackals-can-be-immune-anthrax

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cdn.discoverwildlife.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/623px_wide/main/Jackal anthrax QA_623.jpg

Contributed by: Joshua

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Does the ocean hold the key to killing anthrax?

Discovery of deep sea microbe could launch a new class of powerful drugs

“The world’s oceans could unlock future wonder drugs that will eliminate drug-resistant strains of bacteria. This is the hope of William Fenical at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego who has recently discovered compounds in an ocean microbe that show remarkable potential for eliminating anthrax.”

“The bacteria is structurally and chemically unique from all other antibiotics that have so far been found, meaning it could launch a whole new class of drugs. The researchers believe it could one day provide new treatments for anthrax and other ailments such as MRSA”

<read more here>

References:

Zolfagharifard, E. (2013, July 26). Does the ocean hold the key to killing anthrax? Discovery of deep sea microbe could launch a new class of powerful drugs. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2378993/Does-ocean-hold-key-killing-anthrax-Discovery-deep-sea-microbe-launch-new-class-powerful-drugs.html

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/07/26/article-2378993-1B017D5A000005DC-163_634x444.jpg

Contributed by: Anabel

[theanthraxblog-blog]

A Strange Type of Anthrax Is Killing Chimpanzees

No one knows where it came from, how it spreads, or why it infects so many mammal species.

“ When chimps first started to drop dead in front of him, Fabian Leendertz had no idea why. “It’s normal for wildlife to hide their weakness until they can’t anymore,” he says. One minute he’d be running through the Taï forest in the Ivory Coast, tracking chimps who looked in the peak of health. The next minute, the animals would be lying down and breathing heavily. A few hours later, they were dead.”

<read more here>

References: 

Yong, E. (2017, August 02). A Strange Type of Anthrax Is Killing Chimpanzees. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/08/a-strange-type-of-anthrax-is-killing-chimpanzees/535521/

Contributed by: Adika 

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Pair of discoveries illuminate new paths to flu and anthrax treatments

Experiments provide details of mechanisms underlying viruses and infections

Date: October 17, 2017

Source: University of California - San Diego

Summary: Two recent studies have set the research groundwork for new avenues to treat influenza and anthrax poisoning. The studies used a series of experiments to identify key pathways and mechanisms previously unknown or overlooked in the body's defenses, and possible treatments already developed... <more here>

References: 

Pair of discoveries illuminate new paths to flu and anthrax treatments. (2017, October 17). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171017091846.htm

[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://mobymotion.tumblr.com/post/160173644570/pulsatile-flow-created-in-blender

Contributed by: Alanice

[theanthraxblog-blog]

How Robert Koch’s discovery of Anthrax started the ‘Golden Age of Discovery’

Robert Koch's discovery of the anthrax bacillus in 1876 launched the field of medical bacteriology. A ‘golden age’ of scientific discovery ensued. A century after Koch's death, we remember his life and work.

See the full article here

References: 

Robert Koch and the 'golden age' of bacteriology. (2010, April 21). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971210023143 

Contributed by: Joshua

[theanthraxblog-blog]

OMRF scientist makes anthrax discovery

Scientist have always been curious as to why Anthrax has been so deadly. Scientist from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation decided to do a research on Anthrax and this are what they have discovered. 

<read more>

References: 

About. (2011, April 25). Retrieved from https://omrf.org/2011/04/25/omrf-scientist-anthrax-discovery/

Contributed by: Anabel 

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Cattle Anthrax in Australia

“Not every Australian animal wants to kill you.”  — Unknown

Maybe not every animal wants to kill you.... at least intentionally. 

There has been reports of a fourth case of animal anthrax in Queensland, Australia. 

Anthrax usually presents as a quick death in livestock, and typically affects cattle species such as cows and sheep, making them more susceptible. Diagnostic symptoms include quick bloating of the carcass, which may lead to bloody or tarry discharges from the carcass’ orifices. 

Australia has a known “Anthrax Belt” (see map above), which is an area that may have traces of Anthrax. People and animals that live within the “Anthrax Belt” have a higher risk of contracting Anthrax and are advised to stay protected through the use of vaccinations.

This bacteria can be found in contaminated soil, and it is able to stay infectious for decades. Anthrax should be contained through safe disposal, decontamination and vaccination against it in living organisms. 

Read More At: http://outbreaknewstoday.com/anthrax-fourth-incident-cattle-queensland-since-2016/

References: 

Anthrax: Fourth incident in cattle in Queensland since 2016. (2018, July 21). Retrieved from http://outbreaknewstoday.com/anthrax-fourth-incident-cattle-queensland-since-2016/  

Contributed by: Adika 

[theanthraxblog-blog]

Could Bacillus Anthracis’ toxin be a potential cure for influenza? Read more to find out!

Reference:  

Two studies set groundwork for new avenues to treat influenza and anthrax poisoning. (2017, October 18). Retrieved from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20171017/Two-studies-set-groundwork-for-new-avenues-to-treat-influenza-and-anthrax-poisoning.aspx

Contributed by: Alanice