Anthrax is a potentially deadly bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.CDC: Anthrax: What is anthrax? Anthrax lives dormant in a spore and, under specific circumstances, may become active.MayoClinic.com: Anthrax While it is most common for anthrax to infect animals, humans can also become infected by this bacteria.CDC: Anthrax: How common is anthrax and who can get it?

An outbreak of anthrax occurred in March 2009 in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. With fifteen people diagnosed and four hospitalized, investigators were searching for the cause of the outbreak. It was noted that dead livestock had been found with the bacteria, but no live animals seemed to carry it.CNN: Livestock blamed for anthrax outbreak (March 20, 2009)

The Company Human Genome Sciences produces a treatment for Anthrax that focuses on the toxins produced by the bacteria rather than the bacteria itself. Called ABthrax, generic name raxibacumab, the medicine is a protein that mimics an immune system response in the body. It targets the toxin and eliminates it. The US Government has ordered 20,000 doses of the drug to stockpile for a possible terrorist attack. The delivery of the drugs began February 2, 2009.FOX News: Human Genome Starts Shipping New Anthrax Drug (February 2, 2009)

In 2001, a series of anthrax attacks, spread via mail in the United States, brought to light use of anthrax as a means of bioterrorism. The attacks caused five deaths and left another 17 people sick.CNN.com: Report: Anthrax suspect kills self before filing of criminal charges (August 1, 2008) The main suspect in the attacks, microbiologist Bruce E. Ivins, committed suicide on July 29, 2008. His death came shortly before the U.S. Department of Justice was set to file charges against Ivins for crimes related to the attacks.The New York Times: Man Suspected in Anthrax Attacks Said to Commit Suicide (August 1, 2008)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Anthrax, please consult your doctor.

• New England Journal of Medicine: Anthrax (September 9, 1999)

• National Institutes of Health: Anthrax Fact Sheet

• Guardian Unlimited slideshow: Anthrax Explained

• BBC News: Anthrax Fact File

• BBC Science interactive demonstration: How Anthrax Infects the Body

• MedlinePlus: Medical Encyclopedia: Anthrax | Cutaneous Anthrax | Inhalation Anthrax

• WHO: Guidance on Anthrax: Frequently Asked Questions

• WebMD: Anthrax - Topic Overview

• eMedicineHealth: Anthrax

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Anthrax