Summary
Renewed interest in iron binding via siderophores and blocking this component to prevent bacterial infections in man has opened up new revenues for research monies. However, this approach was not productive nor efficient in past clinical trials and would not appear to be effective in treating respiratory anthrax.
Analysis
While the technique of iron binding has application to treatment of plant pathogens, this does not always extend to mammalian pathogens. People exposed to bioterrorist anthrax require immediate antibiotic treatment and not a process that requires a two step process like binding citric acid and iron. It is time for scientists, industry and academia to cease using anthrax and other bioterrorist agents to secure funding for research or clinical studies.
