Anthrax and Tetanus as Diseases Caused By Spore-Forming Bacteria - Essay Example

These spore-forming bacteria are responsible for the numerous incidences of anthrax and tetanus. Although Clostridia tetani can also be deadly, it is important to mention that Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus anthracis are the prime culprits when it comes to deaths witnessed by spore-forming bacteria (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]). In this regard, this essay explores anthrax and tetanus as diseases caused by spores, clearly stating their symptoms, treatment, and spreading.

Spore-forming bacteria Perhaps it is worthy to note that the major spore-forming bacteria are the clostridia and bacilli, which cause anthrax and tetanus respectively. Essentially, Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium whose main habitat is the soil, produce toxic spores that enter the body through open wounds such as cuts or even through inhalation (WHO). Through multiplication, the bacteria can wreak havoc on the victim’s body often leading to septicemia. Cutaneous anthrax is a form of non-fatal anthrax that often results from the penetration of the spores through skin abrasions that are shallow.

The anthrax is normally restricted to certain body parts and therefore does not easily spread to other parts of the body (CDC). When it comes to the Clostridia bacteria, there are three major categories, all of which are anaerobic. Perhaps the most common type of Clostridia is Clostridia tetani that normally resides in the soil and can become very toxic once in contact with a deep wound (WHO). This mechanism operates neurologically whereby the bacteria cause permanent and involuntary contraction of the muscles.

This disease, commonly referred to as Tetanus or ‘Lockjaw’, becomes lethal when it spreads to the heart and lung muscles (CDC). The second type of Clostridia is Clostridia perfringens that are rapid in their spreading through the breaking down of the victim’s tissues. Clostridia perfringens normally enters the body through food and may lead to fatal food poisoning. Lastly but equally significant is the Clostridia difficile that spreads through contact and manifests through diarrhoea and inflammation.

Causes, spreading, and Symptoms of Anthrax. In essence, anthrax is a disease that is caused by Bacillus anthracis and has been known to infect both humans and animals. The main animals, in this case, include the ruminant animals such as goats, cattle, horses, and sheep (WHO). Ideally, anthrax does not spread from person to person but instead through the spores that are transmitted from the patient to the victim. This means that corpses of infected animals can be potentially dangerous and hence require proper handling and disposal to eliminate any chances of the spreading of the spores.

Besides, one can contract anthrax through being exposed to the Bacillus anthracis spores particularly on an open wound (CDC). When it comes to the signs and symptoms of anthrax, it is important to mention that the symptoms are diverse and could range from pulmonary problems, cutaneous infections, to gastrointestinal problems. Gastrointestinal problems occur from consuming meat infected with anthrax and manifest in such ways as vomiting of blood, severe, diarrhoea, and swelling of the intestinal tract (CDC).

When it comes to the pulmonary symptoms, the anthrax patients may experience flu-like signs before the situation proceeds to pneumonia.