Bacillus anthracis
Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium, 1–1.2µm in width and 3–5µm in length. It is the agent which causes anthrax.
| Bacillus anthracis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Photomicrograph of Bacillus anthracis (fuchsin-methylene blue spore stain). | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Binomial name | |
| Bacillus anthracis | |
Description
The bacillus lives in soils worldwide at moderate temperatures. It can be grown in aerobic or anaerobic conditions (it is a facultative anaerobe) in a medium with essential nutrients, including carbon and nitrogen sources. In 1877, this organism was the first to be shown to cause disease by Robert Koch and verified by Louis Pasteur.
Bacillus Anthracis Media
Phylogenic tree showing B. anthracis in the B. cereus group of strains.
Structure of B. anthracis
CapD protein crystal structure of B. anthracis
How to sample with cellulose sponge on non-porous surfaces
