Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax itself comes from the Greek word for anthrax, nthrax, attributable to the charcoal-colored lesions that often develop on the dermis of victims. Although this sporadic disease most commonly affects animals in agricultural regions, it can occasionally infect humans and cause severe illness as well as hypodermal and internal infections that can prove fatal to infected individuals. German microbiologist and physician Dr. Robert Koch (1843-1910) successfully isolated Bacillus anthracis in 1875 by growing the organism in a pure culture and identifying the bacteria's ability to form endospores, a type of resistant spore that develops in certain bacterial cells. Additionally, Koch produced experimental anthrax by injecting animals with the disease. Through his research and experimentation, Koch was able to discern the life cycle of anthrax and develop Koch's postulates, which identified the causal relationship between microorganisms and disease. The evidence presented in his discoveries in the late 1800s allowed later scientists to develop a comprehensive germ theory, a notion that certain microorganisms in the body can actually cause disease. Long before the disease was officially discovered, anthrax appeared in 1250 BC, where it is believed to have developed in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. As the disease was likely much more dangerous in the past due to the inability to control the spread of the bacteria, some theories suggest that anthrax contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire. It was not until 1752 and 1769 that the first clinical observations of skin lesions... middle of paper ...... an official ruling on February 19, 2010. Independent scientists met on February 15, 2011 to conclude that although Irvins could very well have committed the crime, there was no direct evidence to prove it. A total of 22 people were infected and 5 died from the Ames strain of anthrax. However, 10,000 people are at risk of contracting the disease. Bacillus anthracis is not only a dangerous bacteria that can cause deadly disease, but can also be manipulated for the benefit of terrorists to cause widespread and uncontrollable terror across entire societies. . Qualitative analysis comes into play in preventing the spread of disease, as correct and timely identification of anthrax can significantly improve the chances of stopping contamination, as effective diagnosis directly correlates to prevention..