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American Morning

Ask CNN: What Is Difference Between Skin Form and Inhaled Form of Anthrax?

Aired October 26, 2001 - 10:26   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED CNN CORRESPONDENT: Bill Lorance from Seguin, Texas, ask, "What is the difference between the skin form and inhaled form of anthrax?"

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Bill, the skin form and the inhaled form of anthrax are caused by the same bacteria. The difference is the way that bacteria affects the body. If the anthrax bacteria, known as bacillus anthraxious (ph), actually gets into the lungs, an inhaled anthrax infection might occur. It takes typically 8,000 to 10,000 spores. If that bacteria comes in contact with broken skin, a cutaneous infection can occur. It is possible to have both infections simultaneously, but very rare.

There is also a third form known of infection know as gastrointestinal anthrax. This is from actually swallowing the anthrax bacteria, and is the most rare of all three types.

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