National Current Affairs
Kerala Becomes First Indian State to Declare an Official ‘State Microbe’
- 31 Jan 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Government of Kerala has officially declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, becoming the first Indian state to recognise a microorganism in its roster of state symbols.
Key Points:
- About Bacillus subtilis: Bacillus subtilis, commonly known as the ‘Hay Bacillus’, is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium found primarily in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of humans and ruminants.
- Bacillus subtilis is a non-pathogenic, probiotic bacterium widely found in soil, fermented foods and the human gut.
- Resilience: It is famous for its ability to form tough, protective endospores, allowing it to survive extreme environmental conditions like heat and drought.
- Safety: It is categorized as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) by global food authorities and is a key ingredient in traditional fermented foods like the Japanese Natto.
- Promotion of ‘One Health’: The move underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, as B. subtilis plays a role in all three.
- Combatting AMR: By highlighting "good bacteria," the state aims to educate the public on the microbiome, potentially curbing the irrational use of antibiotics that leads to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
- Biotechnology Hub: Kerala aims to position itself as a leader in Microbial Biotechnology.
| Read More: Antimicrobial Resistance, One Health |
