Anthrax

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 2

Anthrax, an infectious disease which affects domestic as well as wild animals, has been reported in wild boars.

• Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterium/gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis which can be found naturally in soil. It mainly affects animals.
• Humans can be infected through contact with an animal or by inhaling spores.
• Symptoms depend on the route of infection. They can range from a skin ulcer to difficulty breathing.
• Antibiotics cure most infections. Inhaled anthrax is harder to treat and can be fatal.