**Question:** Micro-organism used as weapon in biological terrorism -

A. Smallpox
B. Bubonic plague
C. Anthrax
D. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus

**Correct Answer:** C. Anthrax

**Core Concept:**
The question is testing our knowledge of the potential biological weapons that can be used for bioterrorism. Biological warfare involves the intentional release of infectious agents (micro-organisms) to cause illness or death in humans or animals.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium can be easily cultivated and is highly stable, making it a potential threat for bioterrorism. Anthrax primarily affects humans and animals through the inhalation route, causing respiratory anthrax (PA), ingestion, causing gastrointestinal anthrax (GI), or cutaneous anthrax (CA). Inhalational anthrax is the most lethal form of the disease.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Smallpox: Smallpox is caused by the variola virus and has been eradicated globally through vaccination programs. It is not a common concern for bioterrorism.

B. Bubonic plague: While bubonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, it is primarily transmitted through flea bites and can cause bubonic plague (BP). Infecting humans directly or through contaminated food is unusual. Plague is not as suitable for bioterrorism purposes as anthrax.

D. SARS coronavirus: SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Although SARS caused a global outbreak in 2002-2003, it does not have the same stability and ease of cultivation as anthrax, making it an inferior choice for bioterrorism purposes compared to anthrax.

**Core Concept:** Anthrax is a highly stable and easily cultivable bacterium, making it a potential threat for bioterrorism. Anthrax can be transmitted through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and cutaneous contact with infected material.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Smallpox: As mentioned, smallpox has been eradicated, making it an unlikely choice for bioterrorism.

B. Bubonic plague: Although bubonic plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, it is primarily transmitted through flea bites and is unusual in causing human infection through direct contact or contaminated food.

D. SARS coronavirus: While SARS caused a global outbreak, its stability and ease of cultivation are inferior to anthrax, making it a less suitable bioterrorism agent.

**Why Anthrax is Right:**

Anthrax is a highly stable and easily cultivable bacterium. It can cause illness through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and cutaneous contact with infected material. Anthrax spores can survive in the environment for several years, making it a potential threat for bioterrorism purposes.