Understanding Sorter's Disease and its Cause

The question asks to identify the bacterium responsible for causing Sorter's Disease, a fatal blood disease that sometimes affects workers in the wool industry, specifically sorters.

Sorter's Disease is a historical term for a specific type of occupational illness. It is primarily associated with individuals who handle animal hides, hair, or wool, materials that can be contaminated with certain types of bacteria.

Identifying the Causative Bacterium

Let's examine the options provided:

• Acetobacter pasteurianus: This bacterium is known for its role in producing acetic acid, commonly used in vinegar production. It is not associated with diseases in the wool industry.
• Anthrax: Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium can form spores that are highly resistant and can survive in soil and on animal products like wool for a long time. Humans can get infected through contact with contaminated animals or animal products. The name 'Sorter's Disease' is specifically linked to inhalation anthrax, which occurs when a person inhales Bacillus anthracis spores, often while handling contaminated wool or hides. This form of anthrax can lead to a severe and often fatal illness.
• Edwardsiella: Bacteria of the genus Edwardsiella are typically associated with infections in fish and reptiles, although they can occasionally cause infections in humans, usually related to exposure to contaminated water or aquatic animals. They are not the cause of Sorter's Disease.
• Melittangium boletus: This is a species of myxobacterium, which are a group of bacteria known for their complex life cycles involving social behavior. They are not known to cause diseases like Sorter's Disease in humans.

Based on the association between handling wool/hides and the historical term Sorter's Disease, the bacterium responsible is linked to Anthrax.

Therefore, the bacterium called Anthrax (specifically its causative agent, Bacillus anthracis) is the one that infects sorters in the wool industry and causes the fatal blood disease historically known as Sorter’s Disease (inhalation anthrax).

Revision Table: Sorter's Disease Key Facts

Additional Information on Anthrax and Wool Industry Safety

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can occur in four forms depending on how it enters the body:

• Cutaneous (skin) anthrax: Most common, enters through a cut or scrape.
• Inhalation anthrax: Enters through the lungs by inhaling spores. This is what was historically known as Sorter's Disease.
• Gastrointestinal anthrax: Enters by eating contaminated food.
• Injection anthrax: A rare form found in people who inject drugs.

Workers in industries handling animal products (like wool, hides, and hair) are at risk of inhalation anthrax if the materials are contaminated with Bacillus anthracis spores. Modern safety measures and handling protocols in the wool industry aim to minimize this risk through sterilization and dust control.