Why in news?
- DRDO, JNU researchers are developing a more potent vaccine for anthrax, claiming that the new vaccine is superior to existing one since both anthrax and spores can generate an immune reaction.
- Anthrax is a soil-induced disease caused by the soil germ Bacillus anthracis.
- Animals such as horses, buffaloes, pigs, sheep get affected.
- Anthrax is not transmitted directly to another contaminated animal or person but is distributed by spores.
- Such fungi can be borne by wearing clothes or shoes.
Symptoms
- Within a week, the symptoms such as respiratory infections, acidity, blood diarrhea, bowel swelling develop.
- A 60-day antibiotic regimen is the standard treatment for anthrax.
- If begun as soon as possible, therapy is most successful.
- By later stages the bacteria often create more toxins than pharmaceuticals can kill.
