Bacteria grow in capillaries. Pulmonary anthrax - woolsorter's disease is most dangerous form 4. Penicillin used to treat, but only useful in early stages - later the exotoxin produces damage even after the bacteria are gone. Bacteria grow anaerobically, ferment carbohydrates in the tissues and produce gases that swell the tissue and prevent proper circulation. This leads to further necrosis.
Bacteria also produce toxins, degrade collagen and proteins.
Fatal without treatment. Importance of debridement 3. Systemic Diseases caused by bites and scratches A. Rat bite fever - Streptobacillus or Spirillum . Yersinia pestis . Normally a diseaseof rats, tranmitted to humans by the rat flea B. European rats are primary reservoir but they were introduced into the US years ago.