Healthy 18-year-old welder nearly died in ninth suspected case of ‘welder’s anthrax’

A previously healthy 18-year-old welder nearly died after infection with a Bacillus bacterium that produces the anthrax toxin, marking the ninth puzzling case linked to metalworkers. CDC researchers identified an unexpected pattern in 2022: since 1997 there have been seven cases of infections from anthrax-toxin-producing Bacillus in metalworkers, six of them welders and one a foundry worker.

Of six cases where the species was identified, B. tropicus was responsible; the newly reported case also involved B. tropicus. Investigators don’t know why welders appear uniquely vulnerable. CDC experts have speculated that inhaling toxic metal fumes and gases may weaken lung immune defenses while workplace exposures increase contact with the bacteria.

The teen worked about four hours a day, four days a week in poorly ventilated, sometimes confined spaces and often did not wear a respirator. Environmental testing at his workplace found anthrax-toxin-producing Bacillus in 28 of 254 spot samples; similar findings have appeared in other investigations.

All nine identified cases have been in Louisiana or Texas so far, but experts say infections are likely underreported and modeling suggests the bacteria could thrive across many Southern states. Iron exposure from metalwork is another possible factor, since Bacillus bacteria require iron and metalworkers can accumulate iron in their respiratory tract.

Key Topics

World, United States, Health, Anthrax, Welders, Bacillus, Workplace-safety