Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium can uniquely form highly resistant spores to extreme environmental conditions, including heat, UV light, common disinfectants, and desiccation. Due to these characteristics, anthrax is recognized as one of the most dangerous biological agents and has been used in bioterrorism attacks. Bacillus anthracis spores can persist in soil for decades and pose a risk of infection to both humans and animals through various exposure routes. As a result, managing and preventing anthrax requires comprehensive efforts, including the use of scientifically proven effective disinfectants.

Characteristics and Routes of Anthrax Infection

Anthrax can infect humans through four main routes:

1. Cutaneous Anthrax
   The most common form (>90% of cases), cutaneous anthrax typically occurs through small cuts or abrasions on the skin after contact with spores. It is a painless sore that develops into a black-centered ulcer (eschar). Without treatment, the mortality rate can reach 20–25%.

2. Inhalation Anthrax
   The most lethal form results from the inhalation of airborne spores. If left untreated, it can be fatal in up to 85–90% of cases.

3. Gastrointestinal Anthrax
   Caused by consuming food or water contaminated with spores. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea.

4. Injection Anthrax
   A rare form identified in people who inject drugs. It presents more severely than cutaneous anthrax.

Sources and Risk of Exposure

Anthrax exposure can originate from:

• Environmental sources (e.g., contaminated soil),

• Animal products (e.g., hides, wool, or bones),

• Laboratory accidents,

• Deliberate release in bioterrorism.

High-risk groups include farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, military personnel, and laboratory staff. In these settings, environmental decontamination and personal protection are critical.

Disinfection Needs and Sporicidal Requirements

Bacillus anthracis spores are highly resistant to most standard disinfectants, such as alcohols or diluted chlorine. Therefore, effective control requires products with proven sporicidal activity based on standardized testing.

European Testing Standards:

• EN 14885:2018 – Establishes general standards for disinfectant efficacy.

• EN 17846:2023 – Specifically evaluates sporicidal activity using resistant models like Bacillus subtilis and Clostridioides difficile, which are comparable to Bacillus anthracis spores.

UMONIUM38^®: Proven Sporicidal Disinfectant Solution

UMONIUM38^® is a range of disinfectant products CE-marked under Directive 93/42/EC and registered under Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012 for biocidal use in medical and non-medical environments. The product line is designed for surface, equipment, and environmental disinfection, especially in high-risk areas.

Product Variants Proven Against Spores:

• UMONIUM38^® Instruments

• UMONIUM38^® Neutralis

These two products have been tested and proven to exhibit sporicidal activity at 2.5% concentration, by EN 17846:2023.

Key Advantages of UMONIUM38^®_:

• Rapid and effective sporicidal action.

• Safe for use on medical and general surfaces.

• Environmentally friendly, non-toxic residue.

• Suitable for decontaminating areas with anthrax exposure.

Field Applications

In confirmed or suspected anthrax contamination scenarios, UMONIUM38^® can be applied for:

• Decontaminating work surfaces and floors

• Disinfecting medical and laboratory equipment

• Sterilizing isolation or quarantine areas

Conclusion

Anthrax remains a serious threat to public health and global security. Effective prevention and control require a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Early case identification,

• Animal vaccination in endemic zones,

• Public and professional education,

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE),

• And most importantly — application of validated sporicidal disinfectants like UMONIUM38^®.

UMONIUM38® has been scientifically demonstrated to eliminate Bacillus anthracis spores effectively and is highly recommended for use in high-risk environments.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Anthrax - About the Disease. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax
2. European Committee for Standardization. (2018). EN 14885:2018 – Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics.
3. European Committee for Standardization. (2023). EN 17846:2023 – Sporicidal activity of disinfectants.
4. World Health Organization (WHO). (2008). Anthrax in humans and animals, 4th edition. Geneva.
5. Inglesby, T. V., O'Toole, T., Henderson, D. A., et al. (2002). Anthrax as a biological weapon, 2002: Updated recommendations for management. JAMA, 287(17), 2236–2252.