Anthrax is a living organism of the genus Bacillus and its species name is anthracis. This specific bacterium is gram-positive, meaning it has a thick protective coat of peptidoglycan. It is also rod-shaped and only a few micrometers long. It is also one of the few bacteria to synthesize a protein capsule. Like other species in the Bacillus genus, it can form and release endospores, commonly known as spores. These spores are able to survive in extremely harsh conditions and can survive for years and even decades dormant in the soil. It is a very acute disease, meaning it has a rapid onset and a short course. Anthrax usually infects animals such as cattle, but can occasionally infect humans and in most cases is lethal without treatment. The deadly component of anthrax is its three-protein exotoxin, secreted by virulent strains of bacteria. This toxin was discovered in 1954 by Harry Smith, an anthropologist. Each of the three toxins is individually non-toxic. Only when combined are they lethal. The toxins are composed of cell-binding proteins known as protective antigen and two enzymatic components. One is called the edema factor and the other is called the lethal factor. There are many types of anthrax symptoms because they depend on how the Bacterium anthracis entered the body. These symptoms can take anywhere from a few days to 2 months to appear after the infection has taken place. Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax include small blisters or bumps that may itch and a painless sore (also known as an ulcer) that would contain a black center and be located on the face, neck, arms, or hands. Swelling around the ulcer may occur. If anthrax spores are inhaled, symptoms include fever/chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, ... middle of paper ... ts on symptoms and transmission." MedicineNet. Np, nd Web. May 29, 2014. .2. “Anthrax.” Web. May 29, 2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. May 26, 2014. “Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).” " Biological weapons-anthrax. Np, nd Web. May 29, 2014. .6. Swiderski, Richard M. Anthrax: A History. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2004. Print.