Efficacy of Selected Hand Hygiene Agents Used to Remove Bacillus atrophaeus (a Surrogate of Bacillus anthracis) From Contaminated Hands

Abstract

Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a large gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming bacillus.^1,2Bacillus anthracis has nearly a worldwide distribution, exists in the soil in the form of extremely stable spores, and causes infection in farm and wild animals who have grazed on contaminated land or ingested contaminated feed.² Human infection is most commonly acquired by contact with infected animals or with contaminated animal products such as wool, hide, hair, or bone; inhalation of spores; or by ingestion of contaminated meat.² Clinical infection depends on the route of transmission and includes cutaneous anthrax, inhalation or pulmonary anthrax, and gastrointestinal anthrax.