Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep 2026 – Complete Practice Resource

Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a serious infectious disease that primarily affects livestock but can also infect humans. This bacterium forms spores that can survive in harsh environmental conditions for long periods, which can then enter the body through various routes, such as the skin, inhalation, or ingestion.

Anthrax presents in different forms, including cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalational, each with its own clinical manifestations and potential for severe illness. The association with Bacillus anthracis is pivotal because it highlights the bacterium's unique characteristics, such as its spore-forming capability, which contributes to its potential as a biological weapon.

The other options represent different infectious diseases caused by other pathogens. Tularemia is caused by Francisella tularensis, bubonic plague is due to Yersinia pestis, and brucellosis results from Brucella species. Understanding the specific disease associated with different pathogens is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and public health implications.