Soil-Related Bacterial Diseases

Soil-related bacterial infections are caused by soil contamination of open wounds, or by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with soil-indigenous bacterial spores. Although uncommon in number, the infections caused by the toxin-producing soil bacteria discussed in this chapter are remarkably virulent and often cause death. Of particular concern is the potential use of anthrax spores as an agent of bioterrorism. The soil-related bacterial diseases discussed in this chapter, along with their historical names and monikers, are: Tetanus (Lockjaw); Anthrax (Woolsorter’s Disease, Malignant Pustule); and Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene).