What is the most common naturally occurring form of anthrax?

The most common naturally occurring form of anthrax is cutaneous anthrax. This type of anthrax occurs when the spores of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis enter the body through a cut or abrasion on the skin. Cutaneous anthrax is often associated with occupational exposure, particularly among people who handle animal products from infected animals or those who work in certain industries such as textile manufacturing or veterinary services.

The clinical presentation typically involves a localized skin lesion, which begins as a raised bump that can develop into a painless ulcer with a characteristic black center, commonly referred to as an eschar. Although it can lead to severe complications if left untreated, cutaneous anthrax is the least lethal form of the disease when appropriate medical treatment is administered.

Other forms of anthrax, such as inhalation or gastrointestinal, are much less common in natural settings. Inhalation anthrax, while highly lethal and more severe, occurs primarily through the inhalation of spores rather than through common environmental exposure. Gastrointestinal anthrax results from consuming contaminated food but is not as frequently reported in comparison to cutaneous forms. Neurologic anthrax is not recognized as a specific form of anthrax but rather a manifestation that may occur in severe cases or as part of systemic involvement