Anthrax toxins exacerbate sepsis-induced coagulopathy and endothelial dysfunction in a baboon model of anthrax.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, leads to severe sepsis due to multiple virulence factors, including toxins and bacterial cell wall components, which disrupt immune responses and induce cytotoxic effects. However, the relative contributions of toxins vs bacterial overload during systemic disease remain unclear.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the differential effects of toxigenic B anthracis Sterne strains and nontoxigenic ΔSterne strains on coagulation, complement activation, immune response, endothelial function, and organ damage in a baboon model of anthrax.

Methods

Healthy baboons were intravenously infused with a sublethal dose (1 × 10⁸ colony-forming units/kg) of either B anthracis Sterne or ΔSterne strains. Animals were monitored

SUBMITTER: Keshari RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12794561 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature