In the lab, Ivins used different kind of anthrax

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2008 | by Dan Vergano and Steve Sternberg

The death of government scientist Bruce Ivins, a new focus of the investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks, revives old questions about anthrax and adds new ones. USA TODAY reporters Dan Vergano and Steve Sternberg provide a sampling:

Q: What is anthrax?

A: Anthrax, or bacillus anthracis, is a bacteria that can infect the skin, the digestive system or the lungs. The bacteria contain two deadly toxins.

Most anthrax cases occur in animals that inhale spores from the soil; some humans have gotten anthrax from exposure to spores in animal hides. Inhaled anthrax is difficult to diagnose and is often deadly. Spores lodge in the lungs, then move to the lymph nodes. The bacteria release toxins that typically kill within two weeks. Symptoms include fever,...