Anthrax-causing bacteria have dwelled in soil for centuries – cycling through people, animals and earth

From bioweapons to biblical plagues, the bacteria that cause anthrax can persist for decades in harsh conditions and wreak havoc on people and cattle.

By: Hannah Kinzer, Washington University in St. Louis, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 25, 2026

Words: 858

Last Updated: 4 months, 1 week ago

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By Hannah Kinzer, Washington University in St. Louis

The bacteria that cause deadly anthrax disease persist in the earth, a place their ancestors preferred over petri dishes and blood-filled tissues.

The bacteria that cause anthrax are called Bacillus anthracis. In the soil, they hang out and can form communities around plant roots. They also interact with neighboring organisms, though they’re an admittedly less-than-ideal neighbor to the soil-dwelling amoebae they infect and kill.

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