MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Inhalation Anthrax

Medical Encyclopedia

Inhalation Anthrax

Inhaled anthrax is particularly deadly. Although the spores are dormant when breathed in, they germinate when exposed to a warm, moist environment, such as the lungs. Not all particles are small enough to pass into the alveoli, or air sacs, but those that do begin to multiply and may spread to the lymphatic system. When the spores germinate in the lymph nodes, several toxins are released. Particles illustrated are not to scale.

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: Kenneth M. Wener, MD, Department of Infectious Diseases. Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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