287ANTHRAX: COMPREHENSIVE REVEIW ON THE PATHOGENESIS AND DIAGNOSISAnthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, poses a rare but severe infectious threat, recognized for its potential use in bioterrorism. It manifests in diverse forms: inhalational, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and injection-related. Inhalational anthrax is the most lethal, initiating with non-specific symptoms and rapidly progressing to systemic illness with high mortality rates. Cutaneous anthrax, the most prevalent form, presents with skin lesions but carries a lower mortality rate with prompt treatment. Diagnosing anthrax demands a multidisciplinary approach involving clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging. Early identification is crucial, especially when multiple patients exhibit similar symptoms, potentially indicating a bioterrorism event. Swift initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, often a combination of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, or doxycycline, is key for better outcomes. Managing anthrax requires a well-informed interprofessional team adept in bioterrorism protocols, emphasizing rapid reporting, stringent safety measures in laboratories, and adherence to CDC guidelines for treatment and vaccination strategies. Public health interventions, including anthrax vaccines for high-risk groups and meticulous decontamination, play a pivotal role in mitigating outbreaks. Despite its rarity, continuous education among healthcare professionals is crucial to swiftly recognize, manage, and respond to potential cases, whether sporadic or related to deliberate dissemination. The infrequency of anthrax underscores the need for preparedness and collaboration among healthcare professionals to address this formidable infectious diseasepaladugupravallika896@gmail.comResearch1412024Anthrax, Dreadful virus, Vaccines, bioterrorismMalathi M, Pojitha PJ, Pravallika PDepartment of Pharmacology, Ratnam Institute of Pharmacy, Pidathapolur, Nellore-524346, Andhra Pradesh, India