Anthrax

Abstract

Anthrax is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease primarily of herbivores, such as goats, and which can be transmitted to humans. It is caused by a Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and the disease occurs worldwide with varying occurrences in various geographical regions. It is a reportable disease that is endemic in some parts of Africa. Furthermore, anthrax is of huge concern because according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), anthrax is viewed as a possible biological weapon. Recent outbreaks were reported in 2023 in West Africa, including Nigeria, which affected several species of animals comprising cattle, sheep and goats. In Ghana, the disease and deaths were confirmed in both animals and humans. Fever, staggering, depression, incoordination, trembling and difficulty in breathing, followed by rapid collapse, terminal convulsions, bloody discharges from natural body orifices and death, are some typical clinical signs in goats. The transmission of disease to humans, depending on the route of exposure, may appear clinically in three distinct forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal and pneumonic. The most effective strategy of disease prevention in humans is by vaccination of animal populations using the anthrax spore vaccine (Sterne attenuated spore vaccine). The human anthrax vaccine that is currently in use is not available to the general public. These vaccines are used only in high-risk groups. However, there is ongoing research to enhance the development of new third-generation vaccines, including recombinant sub-unit vaccines for use in humans. Also, multisectoral collaborations, efforts, initiatives, frameworks and integrated surveillance across the human, animal and environment sectors may be crucial for early warnings and mitigations.