Nomarski Interference Contrast light micrograph of the rod-shaped bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, cause of anthrax in man and animals. It is transmitted to humans by contact with contaminated animal hair, hides or excrement. The disease occurs in two forms, either attacking the lungs and causing pneumonia, (woolsorters's disease) or the skin, producing severe ulceration (malignant pustule). If treated with antibiotics anthrax may be cured, if untreated it may be fatal. Magnification: 1500x.