"In 2022, CDC researchers found an unexpected pattern. Since 1997, there had been seven cases of infections from group bacteria producing the anthrax toxin-all in metalworkers. Six of the seven were welders, hence the term "welder's anthrax," with the remaining case in a person working in a foundry grinding metal. Of the six cases where a specific Bacillus species was identified, B. tropicus was the culprit, including in the newly reported case."
"But the experts note that cases are likely underreported, and modeling suggests these dangerous germs could be thriving in many Southern US states. The experts also speculated that iron exposure could play a role. Bacillus bacteria need iron to live and thrive, and metalworkers can build up excess iron levels in their respiratory system during their work. Iron overload could create the perfect environment for bacterial infection."
Since 1997, most infections from anthrax-toxin-producing Bacillus have occurred in metalworkers, predominantly welders, with identified species including B. tropicus. A teenage welder working four hours a day in poorly ventilated, confined spaces often without a respirator tested positive; environmental sampling found anthrax-toxin-producing Bacillus in 28 of 254 spot samples. Reported cases have been concentrated in Louisiana and Texas, though underreporting and modeling indicate broader presence across Southern US states. Hypothesized contributing factors include lung immune impairment from inhaled metal fumes and gases, increased workplace exposure to the bacteria, and iron accumulation in the respiratory tract facilitating bacterial growth. Precise risk factors and reasons for individual susceptibility remain unknown.
Read at Ars Technica
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