In anthrax cases, what is the main vector for cutaneous exposure?

In cases of anthrax, cutaneous exposure primarily occurs through direct contact with infected animal products. This means that individuals who handle materials such as wool, hides, or other body parts from infected animals are at a greater risk of developing cutaneous anthrax. The spores of the anthrax bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, can survive in those products and can enter the body through cuts or abrasions in the skin.

While airborne spores are a concern for inhalational anthrax, they are not the primary mode of transmission for cutaneous anthrax. Similarly, contaminated water sources and infected food are not typical vectors for skin exposure in the context of this bacterial infection. These other routes may concern other types or routes of exposure but are not relevant to the cutaneous form, which is mostly associated with direct contact with infected animal products.