Washington, Sept 9 (ANI): Scientists from University of California have identified a gene in anthrax-causing bacteria that could be used as a potential therapeutic target for the deadly disease.

The ClpX gene in bacterium Bacillus anthracis not only contributes to the severity of the anthrax disease but also makes it more difficult for a patient's immune system to fight the infection.

Inhibiting this gene can prompt body's natural defence mechanism to better fight the disease.

Mattias Collin, of Lund University, and Marc A. Williams, of the University of Rochester, praised the study and said that this might provide a new way to treat anthrax poisoning.

"This study has indeed identified a potential treasure trove in ClpX", Colin and Williams wrote. (ANI)