Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis (buh-SIL-us an-THRAY-sus). Bacillus anthracis can exist in two different forms: the favorable form, when the bacteria are rod-shaped and can grow and divide, or the unfavorable form, when they form a very resistant dormant spore that helps them survive extreme environmental conditions. Like other bacteria, Bacillus anthracis is very small, measuring only about 1 in 9 micrometers. It is a Gram-positive bacteria, which gives the bacteria pinkish-purple rods, with a relatively long lifespan. more than 70 years old. Bacillus anthracis feeds on iron, oxygen, water and nutrients to survive and reproduce. Bacillus anthracis requires a favorable environment, but can reproduce in different ways, either by germination of spores, by asexual bacterial reproduction or by the formation of new spores. Herbivorous animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats are the primary target of these bacteria and can become infected when they breathe or ingest spores in contaminated soil, plants, or water. These elliptical-shaped spores have thick, layered walls that make them resistant to heat, drought, ultraviolet rays and gamma radiation. These spores initially grow inside the rod-like shape, earning it the name endospore. Since the bacteria is a zoonosis, meaning it primarily affects domestic and wild animals, it is very rare for people to become infected with anthrax, but it is theoretically possible when the spores enter the body either by contact with infected animals, or by contact with infected animals. contaminated animal products. Although people can become infected with anthrax through contact with animals, it is not contagious, meaning it cannot be passed from person to person. Once the spores reach the middle of the paper, they may require aggressive treatment, such as continued drainage of fluid and use of mechanical ventilation to help the patient breathe. Regardless of its severity, it is important to get medical attention as quickly as possible to have the best chance of a full recovery. Coal is found all over the world, but it is very rare in the United States. Likewise, it is very rare in developed countries, but more common in developing countries. Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions with domestic animals, such as Central and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southwest Asia, Southern and Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. Bacillus anthracis can be found in soil, water and plants. In the soil, bacteria seem to favor alkaline soils rich in calcium and organic matter. Optimal growths of Bacillus anthracis appear to be around 37 degrees Celsius.