FOOD-BORNE ANTHRAX THREAT ASSESSMENT

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Anthrax is a gram-positive spore forming bacteria that infects both humans and animals. Natural human infections occur when individuals handle materials from infected animals or inhale spores associated with animal products. Infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous, inhalation and gastrointestinal. If left untreated, all forms of the disease could result in death. The most fatal form of the disease, inhalation anthrax, presents with sore throat, mild fever, muscle aches and malaise. The mortality rate is approximately 50% even with care that includes the use of antibiotics. Much less information is known about the mortality of GI anthrax. The ultimate goal for this project is to assess the plausible threat that gastrointestinal (GI) anthrax poses to the population, as a potential weapon of mass destruction. The objective of the current study aims specifically to establish an infective dose, characterize pathogenesis of disease, and assess effectiveness of fluoroquinolone treatment in non-human primates (NHP). The study will first determine the dose required to cause GI anthrax in macaques. This will be accomplished by administration of anthrax spores via gavage. Next, animals will be given anthrax spores by gavage then treated with antibiotics to assess the efficacy of the treatment against GI anthrax. The successful completion of the study will result in a better understanding of GI anthrax intoxication and permit the elucidation of the effectiveness of fluoroquinolone treatment against GI anthrax infection. Future goals would assess the food-borne dose of anthrax, via whole milk, required to cause disease in the macaque NHP model.