Answer:
The word anthrax originates from the Greek word for 'coal,' referring to the characteristic black lesions of cutaneous anthrax. Anthrax is a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which can infect through cutaneous, gastrointestinal, or inhalational routes, with inhalational anthrax being the most lethal form and a potential bioterrorism weapon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term anthrax literally means 'coal' in Greek, which refers to the black skin lesions of cutaneous anthrax. However, the disease anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, a well-known pathogen that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans.
There are three forms of anthrax: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalational. Inhalation anthrax is the most dangerous form and was weaponized for use in bioterrorism, famously seen in the 2001 mail attacks where letters laced with anthrax spores led to multiple infections and deaths.
Bacillus anthracis is found in soils and can infect humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. When B. anthracis spores enter the body, they can cause serious and often fatal infections, particularly when they enter the lungs.