Healthy teen welder nearly died after infection with anthrax-toxin-producing Bacillus

A healthy teen who worked as a welder nearly died after becoming infected with a Bacillus group bacterium that produces the anthrax toxin, a newly reported case that fits an unusual pattern investigators first flagged in 2022. Since 1997, public health researchers have identified a string of cases—now totaling nine—in which anthrax-toxin-producing Bacillus infections occurred in metalworkers.

Six of seven earlier cases were in welders and one was in a foundry worker who ground metal. Of the six prior cases where the species was identified, Bacillus tropicus was the cause, and that species was identified in the newly reported case as well. The teen did welding about four hours a day, four days a week, often in poorly ventilated or confined spaces and frequently without respiratory protection.

Environmental testing at his workplace found anthrax-toxin-producing Bacillus in 28 of 254 spot samples; other investigations of so-called “welder’s anthrax” have reported similar workplace detections. All nine known cases have been detected in Louisiana or Texas, but experts say the condition is likely underreported and modeling suggests these germs could thrive across many Southern U.S.

states. Researchers have speculated that a combination of weakened lung defenses from inhaling metal fumes and gases and higher occupational exposure to the bacteria may increase risk.

Key Topics

Health, Bacillus Tropicus, Anthrax Toxin, Welders, Metalworkers, Cdc