Immunologic Response of Unvaccinated Workers Exposed to Anthrax, Belgium

Abstract

To determine immunologic reactivity to Bacillus anthrax antigens, we conducted serologic testing of workers in a factory that performed scouring of wool and goat hair. Of 66 workers, ≈10% had circulating antibodies or T lymphocytes that reacted with anthrax protective antigen. Individual immunity varied from undetectable to high.

Keywords

• anthrax
• protective antigen
• wool-sorter
• ELISA
• subclinical infection
• bacteria