Translations:Basic Field Epi: Course Resource Book/274/en

The anthrax life cycle includes the following steps:

  1. Anthrax spores are ingested, inhaled, or contacted by the host (human or animal)
  2. Disease and death occur in the host
  3. Vegetative cells are released into the environment following death of the host
  4. Anthrax infection can occur from contact with animals that have died from anthrax
  5. Vegetative cells in the environment turn into spores and remain infective to hosts for many years