Question

Few years back Osama Bin Laden used spores of Bacillus anthracis against Americans as an agent of effective weapon of bioterrorism.
(i) Which is the disease caused by Bacillus anthracis?
(ii) Into which category will you classify these diseases-Infectious / non-infectious and acute / chronic?
(iii) Why is it considered as an agent of effective weapon of bioterrorism?

• A. (i) - cholera; (ii) - acute infectious disease; (iii) - spores of Bacillus anthracis can be produced and stored in dry form keeping them viable for decades in storage or after release.
• B. (i) - anthrax; (ii) - acute infectious diseases; (iii) - spores of Bacillus anthracis can be produced and stored in dry form keeping them viable for decades in storage or after release.
• C. (i) - anthrax; (ii) - acute non-infectious disease; (iii) - spores of Bacillus anthracis can be produced and stored in dry form keeping them viable for decades in storage or after release.
• D. (i) - cholera; (ii) - non-infectious diseases, (iii) - spores of Bacillus anthracis can be produced and stored in dry form keeping them viable for decades in storage or after release.

Answer 1

The correct option is B (i) - anthrax; (ii) - acute infectious diseases; (iii) - spores of Bacillus anthracis can be produced and stored in dry form keeping them viable for decades in storage or after release.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. Although it is rare, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. B. anthracis is successful as a bioterrorism agent due to its resistance to harsh environmental conditions through its ability to exist in a spore state. Anthrax makes a good weapon because it can be released quietly and without anyone knowing. The microscopic spores could be put into powders, sprays, food, and water.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.