DETECTION OF ANTHRACIS IN HUMANS, ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTS, AND ANIMAL MATERIALS IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. This disease occurs mainly among livestock and is transmitted to humans through infected animals, their products, and the external environment. This article extensively covers methods for laboratory diagnosis of anthrax, including the steps of sampling and testing clinical specimens (blood, wound secretions, sputum), environmental objects (soil, water), and animal raw materials (hides, wool, meat products). Laboratory diagnostics uses bacteriological, serological, molecular genetic, and immunological methods. Microscopic examination reveals gram-positive rods, and typical colonies are obtained by growing them on special nutrient media. The genetic material of the pathogen is determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.