Which key feature of Bacillus anthracis makes anthrax disease particularly difficult to eradicate?

• A. Its ability to form highly resistant endospores that persist in the environment for decades
• B. Its exclusive transmission through direct human-to-human contact
• C. Its dependence on a viral vector for transmission
• D. Its rapid mutation rate leading to frequent antigenic variation

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key characteristics of Bacillus anthracis relevant to its survival and transmission. Bacillus anthracis is a bacterium known for causing anthrax disease.
2. Understand what makes a pathogen difficult to eradicate. Factors include resistance to environmental conditions, modes of transmission, and genetic variability.
3. Recall that Bacillus anthracis forms endospores, which are dormant, tough, and highly resistant structures that can survive extreme conditions for long periods.
4. Compare the options: transmission through human contact, dependence on viral vectors, and rapid mutation rate are not primary features of Bacillus anthracis.
5. Conclude that the ability to form highly resistant endospores that persist in the environment for decades is the key feature making anthrax difficult to eradicate.