<prompt> A Malignant pustule is a term used for :An infected malignant melanomaA carbuncleA rapidly spreading rodent ulcer.Anthrax of the skin  <response>: Ans. is d i.e. Anthrax of the skin The lesion in the cutaneous anthrax is ka malignant pustuleCutaneous anthrax follows the entry of the infection through the skinUsual sites are face, neck, hands, arms and backThe lesion starts as papule, then becomes vesicular. Finally a painless, round black lesion with a rim of edena is formed. This lesion is called malignant pustule.Cutaneous anthrax generally resolves spontaneously but 10-20 of untreated patients develop fatal septicemiaCutaneous anthrax is also known as Hide porters disease because it was common in dock workers carrying loads of hides and skins on their bare backsMore about Anthrax.Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracisIt is of 3 typesCutaneous anthraxPulmonary anthraxAlso called Wool Sorters disease because it is common in workers in wool factories due to inhalation of dust.It leads to hemorrhagic pneumonia. Can also cause hemorrhagic meningitis.Intestinal anthraxMost common form of anthrax - cutaneous anthraxMost rare form of anthrax - Intestinal anthraxMost fatal form of anthrax - Pulmonary anthraxVirulence factors for Bacillus anthraxCapsular polypeptide controlled by plasmidsAnthrax toxin - Composed of three fractionsEdema factor EF or factor IProtective antigen factor PA or factor IILethal factor LF or factor IIIRemember: anthrax toxin is also mediated by plasmids 