Both Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are potential bioterrorism agents. As such, in the USA and elsewhere, these organisms fall under stringent regulations that govern their possession, use and transfer.
- Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
- Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin)
- Plague (Yersinia pestis)
- Smallpox (variola major)
- Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)
- Viral hemorrhagic fevers, including. Filoviruses (Ebola, Marburg) Arenaviruses (Lassa, Machupo)
What is a bioterrorism agent?
Bioterrorism agents are pathogenic organisms or biological toxins that are used to produce death and disease in humans, animals, or plants for terrorist purposes.
What are the categories of bioterrorism?
The classification into Categories A, B, and C is based on: Researchers in the Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology have studied and continue to investigate a number of pathogens that present a potential risk for use in bioterrorism.
What is the most dangerous toxin used in bioterrorism?
The one that is most dangerous and most likely to be used in bioterrorism is Clostridium botulinum toxin, which causes botulism. What are other sources for detailed information on bioterrorism? There are many different government-based web sites that have up-to-date information on bioterrorism. These include the following:
What are biological agents and biological attacks?
Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick.
Which is considered a potential agent of bioterrorism?
In this presentation, I will discuss Plague as a disease and Yersinia pestis as a potential agent of bioterrorism followed by and overview of Category B and Category C weapons. Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, previously called Pasturella pestis.
What are the 4 top agents used for potential bioterrorism?
The bioterrorist agents with highest priority are the causes of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), botulism (Clostridium botulinum), plague (Yersinia pestis), smallpox (variola major), tularaemia (Francisella tularensis) and viral haemorrhagic fevers (filoviruses and arena viruses).
What are the 5 biological agents?
They include bacteria, viruses, fungi (including yeasts and moulds) and internal human parasites (endoparasites). The majority of these agents are harmless however some may have potential to cause ill health.
Which class of bioterrorism agents carries the greatest potential risk to populations?
Killer Strain: Anthrax Anthrax is the most likely agent to be used in a biological attack. It only takes a small amount to infect a large number of people.
What are examples of bioterrorism?
Bioterrorism DiseasesAnthrax (Bacillus anthracis)Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin)Plague (Yersinia pestis)Smallpox (variola major)Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)Viral hemorrhagic fevers (filoviruses [e.g., Ebola, Marburg] and arenaviruses [e.g., Lassa, Machupo])
What are the 6 biological agents?
Along with smallpox, anthrax, plague, botulism, and tularemia, hemorrhagic fever viruses are among six agents identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most likely to be used as biological weapons. Many VHFs can cause severe, life-threatening disease with high fatality rates.
What are the 4 hazard groups for biological agents give some examples?
Pathogens, Toxins, Allergens and Carcinogens Pathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites which can colonise humans and cause infection and harm to health.
How many types of biological agents are there?
There are more than 1200 different kinds of biological agents, some of which can be used as biological weapons.
Is Ebola a biological agent?
on these characteristics this study concludes that the Ebola virus is capable of being a successful bio-agent, analogous to smallpox and anthrax. In certain factors such as infectiousness and prophylaxis, Ebola is, in fact, a more suitable bioterror agent than smallpox or anthrax.
What are the three types of biological agents that can be weaponized?
Biological weapons are a subset of a larger class of weapons referred to as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which also includes chemical, nuclear, and radiological weapons....Examples of category B agents include:brucellosis.Q fever.ricin toxin.cholera.
Which biological agent inspires the most fear?
There are many ways to implement a biological attack, but these are some of the most feared agents, from least to most threatening: Ebola virus -- The virus takes about a week to kill the victim, and it spreads through direct contact.
How many types of bioterrorism are there?
three categoriesBioterrorism agents are divided into three categories based on their ease of spread and the severity of illness they cause. Category A agents are most dangerous, and Category C agents are current emerging threats.
What are the four types of biological weapons?
Biological weapons are a subset of a larger class of weapons referred to as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which also includes chemical, nuclear, and radiological weapons....Category A agents include the following:anthrax.botulism.plague.tularemia.smallpox.viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Which agents are most commonly used in bioterrorism quizlet?
Anthrax, Plague, Tularemia, Q fever.
Which biological agent can be used in bioterrorism quizlet?
Bacillus anthracis considered one of the most dangerous and most likely agents that would be used in a bioterrorist attack.
How many types of biological agents are there?
There are more than 1200 different kinds of biological agents, some of which can be used as biological weapons.
What is bioterrorism agent?
Content. Bioterrorism agents are pathogenic organisms or biological toxins that are used to produce death and disease in humans, animals, or plants for terrorist purposes . These agents are typically microorganisms found in nature, but it is possible that they could be modified to increase their virulence, make them resistant to current antibiotics ...
What are the agents that are considered bioterrorism?
Included among them are the Category A agents - anthrax, dengue, Ebola, smallpox, and tularemia - as well as Category B and C agents such as chikungunya, influenza, and Zika. The research encompasses investigations into the basic biology of these agents, their interactions with the immune system, as well as the development of vaccines and tools to study and combat these agents.
What is a Category A agent?
Category A consists of the agents that are considered the highest risk, and much of the biodefense research effort is directed towards these agents. Included among Category B agents are ones that could conceivably threaten water and food safety.
What was the response to the 9/11 attacks?
The U.S. government has responded by expanding resources and effort into biodefense research. Much of this work is directed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases component of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with other agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
What does the CDC consider to determine the risks of various agents?
To determine the risks from various agents, the CDC considers their effect on human health, the degree of contagiousness or method of transfer to humans, and the availability and effectiveness of vaccines and therapies to prevent and treat illness.
What is the potential for misuse of synthetic biology capabilities?
The potential for misuse of synthetic biology capabilities increases and expands the threat of bioweapons. The tools could be used for the creation of pathogenic microorganisms or the modification of existing microorganisms to make them more dangerous.
What are the areas of greatest concern?
Among the areas of greatest concern are the potential for the reconstruction of known pathogenic viruses using information on their genetic sequences (e.g., the 1918 pandemic flu virus) or the alteration of existing bacteria to make them more dangerous (e.g., by making them resistant to existing antibiotics).
How are bioterrorism agents used?
Bioterrorism agents can be used as they are found in nature or can be modified to enhance their virulence, rendering them resistant to currently available antibiotics and vaccinations. To date, there have been several incidents of bioterrorism that have occurred around the world and throughout history. Here, we give a brief background on the use of ...
What is bioterrorism agent?
Bioterrorism agents are pathogenic organisms or biological toxins that have the potential to cause disease and death in humans, animals, or plants.
What is the focus of research in bioterrorism?
Following this, research into bioterrorism became a key focus of research, with the US government investing in expanding its resources and efforts into the study of biodefenses. It is of great concern that as technology has advanced, so has its capacity for increasing the impact of bioterrorism attacks.
How many people died in the 9/11 attacks?
The attack resulted in five deaths and 17 injured.
How many people die from antibiotics each year?
Scientists are also concerned about the potential development of antibiotic-resistant agents, which already infect over 2 million Americans annually, accounting for over 20,000 deaths each year. Worryingly, antibiotic resistance is increasing around the world, making antibiotic-resistant agents a rising concern.
Why are scientists concerned about the potential for pathogenic viruses to be reconstructed with the result of enhancing their?
Scientists fear the potential for known pathogenic viruses to be reconstructed with the result of enhancing their virulence. In the same vein, scientists are also concerned that with the use of new technology, brand new microorganisms may be developed, with the potential to release highly toxic chemicals into the body. It is feared that these new microorganisms may have the capability to modify the human microbiome or the human immune system, which would have devastating effects.
Is botulism H a bioterrorism threat?
Currently, there is no known treatment for botulism H, which is considered to be deadly. Scientists are also concerned about the potential development of antibiotic-resistant agents, which already infect over 2 million Americans annually, accounting for over 20,000 deaths each year. Worryingly, antibiotic resistance is increasing around the world, making antibiotic-resistant agents a rising concern.
What is biological agent?
Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops. A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick.
How to reduce germs in your body?
Depending on the situation, wear a face mask to reduce inhaling or spreading germs. If you have been exposed to a biological agent, remove and bag your clothes and personal items. Follow official instructions for disposal of contaminated items. Wash yourself with soap and water and put on clean clothes.
How do you know if you have a biological attack?
The first evidence of an attack may be when you notice symptoms of the disease caused by exposure to an agent. In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately be able to provide information on what you should do. It will take time to figure out exactly what the illness is, how it should be treated and who is in danger.
What are the basic procedures and medical protocols for handling exposure to biological agents?
The basic procedures and medical protocols for handling exposure to biological agents are the same as for any infectious disease. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a complete list of potential agents and diseases and the appropriate treatments.
What is the first evidence of a biological attack?
During a Biological Threat. The first evidence of an attack may be when you notice symptoms of the disease caused by exposure to an agent. In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately be able to provide information on what you should do.
Why do we wear masks?
Depending on the situation, wear a face mask to reduce inhaling or spreading germs.
Is exposure to biological agents the same as for any infectious disease?
The basic procedures and medical protocols for handling exposure to biological agents are the same as for any infectious disease.
What is bioterrorism?
Bioterrorism is a form of terrorism where there is the intentional release of biological agents (bacteria, viruses, or other germs). This is also referred to as germ warfare.
What are the causes of bioterrorism in food?
The one that is most dangerous and most likely to be used in bioterrorism is Clostridium botulinum toxin , which causes botulism.
What are other sources for detailed information on bioterrorism?
There are many different government-based web sites that have up-to-date information on bioterrorism. These include the following:
What are the warning signs of a bioterrorism attack?
Other potential clues that raise suspicion for a bioterrorism attack include new types of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, because some biologic agents are modified (weaponized) to make them more lethal, unusual numbers of cases of a disease, and atypical presentation of diseases.
How do I know if I have been exposed to a bioterrorism agent?
These symptoms would include fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, and headache. It is very hard to differentiate many of the different diseases initially, and tests to confirm the diagnosis often must be done at specialized state laboratories and may require weeks until the results are received.
Should I have some antibiotics on hand just in case I get exposed?
While there are a few biological agents that can be prevented by taking antibiotics (for example, anthrax ), it is not recommended that you stockpile antibiotics. Antibiotics have a limited shelf life and would likely be unusable by the time an attack might occur. Also, there are many different types of infectious agents, each requiring different antibiotics. All drugs, including antibiotics, have side effects, and taking them inappropriately could cause more harm than good.
How many people were infected with anthrax in 2001?
already experienced a bioterrorism attack. In 2001, powder containing the bacterium called anthrax was distributed through the U.S. mail. All together, 22 people became infected with anthrax.
What are the protective measures used to prevent the spread of the Pneumonic Plague?
Simple protective measures, such as wearing masks, good hygiene, and avoiding close contact , have been effective to interrupt transmission during many pneumonic plague outbreaks [2]. In the United States, the last known cases of person to person transmission of pneumonic plague occurred in 1925 [2]. Table 3D.
How many spores of B. anthracis are there in humans?
In primates, the LD50 (i.e., the dose required to kill 50% of animals) for an aerosol challenge with B. anthracis is estimated to be 8,000–50,000 spores; the infectious dose may be as low as 1-3 spores. Incubation Period.
When to use N95 respirator?
Use N95 or higher respirators when performing aerosol-generating procedures. In settings where AIIRs are unavailable or the large numbers of patients cannot be accommodated by existing AIIRs, observe Droplet Precautions (plus Standard Precautions and Contact Precautions) and segregate patients from those not suspected of VHF infection. Limit blooddraws to those essential to care. See text for discussion and Appendix A for recommendations for naturally occurring VHFs.
How long does it take for a person to be infected?
Infectivity. Person-to-person transmission occurs via respiratory droplets risk of transmission is low during first 20-24 hours of illness and requires close contact. Respiratory secretions probably are not infectious within a few hours after initiation of appropriate therapy. Recommended Precautions.
How does person to person transmission occur?
Person-to-person transmission primarily occurs through unprotected contact with blood and body fluids; percutaneous injuries (e.g., needlestick) associated with a high rate of transmission; transmission in healthcare settings has been reported but is prevented by use of barrier precautions. Recommended Precautions.
What is the emphasis of the 'Sharps Safety'?
Emphasize: use of sharps safety devices and safe work practices; hand hygiene; barrier protection against blood and body fluids upon entry into room (single gloves and fluid- resistant or impermeable gown, face/eye protection with masks, goggles or face shields); and. appropriate waste handling.
How long does it take for a cutaneous lesion to develop?
Cutaneous: Painless, reddish papule, which develops a central vesicle or bulla in 1-2 days; over next 3-7 days lesion becomes pustular, and then necrotic, with black eschar; extensive surrounding edema.
What are the agents that are considered bioterrorism?
Included among them are the Category A agents - anthrax, dengue, Ebola, smallpox, and tularemia - as well as Category B and C agents such as chikungunya, influenza, and Zika. The research encompasses investigations into the basic biology of these agents, their interactions with the immune system, as well as the development of vaccines and tools to study and combat these agents.
What does the CDC consider to determine the risks of various agents?
To determine the risks from various agents, the CDC considers their effect on human health, the degree of contagiousness or method of transfer to humans, and the availability and effectiveness of vaccines and therapies to prevent and treat illness.
What is a Category A agent?
Category A consists of the agents that are considered the highest risk, and much of the biodefense research effort is directed towards these agents. Included among Category B agents are ones that could conceivably threaten water and food safety.
What are the risks of a microorganism?
Other possible risks include alterations to the human host, such as modifications to the human microbiome or the human immune system. Heading.
What are the areas of greatest concern?
Among the areas of greatest concern are the potential for the reconstruction of known pathogenic viruses using information on their genetic sequences (e.g., the 1918 pandemic flu virus) or the alteration of existing bacteria to make them more dangerous (e.g., by making them resistant to existing antibiotics).
What is the potential for misuse of synthetic biology capabilities?
The potential for misuse of synthetic biology capabilities increases and expands the threat of bioweapons. The tools could be used for the creation of pathogenic microorganisms or the modification of existing microorganisms to make them more dangerous.
What happened on Sept 11th 2001?
As a result of the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C on Sept. 11, 2001 and the dissemination of anthrax through the United States Postal Service shortly thereafter, there has been renewed and urgent attention focused on the possibility of additional terrorist acts involving biological agents.
Food Safety
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Abstract
Bioterrorist attacks are usually associated with airborne infections because of their easy dissemination and maximal effect on the human population. However, foodborne pathogens represent potential bioterrorist weapons, as the consumption of safe food affects every individual in the society.
1. Introduction
Bioterrorism refers to the use of infectious agents or other harmful biological or biochemical substances for terroristic purposes. Usually, the measures against bioterrorist attacks are focused on the aerosol infections, as airborne microorganisms can easily affect many people and lead to maximal morbidity when entering the respiratory tract.
2. Classification of foodborne bacteria as potential bioterrorist weapons
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes three categories of biological agents in respect of bioterrorism [ 9 ]:
3. Foodborne bacteria that can be used as potential bioterrorist agents
Clostridium botulinum is a Gram-positive, anaerobic spore-forming bacterium, which is common in soils, sediments, animal excrements, and gastrointestinal tract of birds and mammals. It causes botulism. The three forms of the disease are known—foodborne, wound, and infant botulism.
4. Conclusion
Foodborne bacterial pathogens, although less attractive as possible bioterrorist weapons, are of interest as they possess several important advantages. First, they can be readily found in nature and their isolation and multiplication are relatively easy. No specific knowledge is needed.
Conflict of interest
Authors declare the absence of any conflict of interest related to this work.
A Brief History of Bioterrorism
Currently Identified Bioterrorism Agents
Potential Bioterrorism Agents
- Definition
Third highest priority agents include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination in the future because of 1. availability; 2. ease of production and dissemination; and 3. potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact. - Agents
1. Emerging infectious diseases such as Nipah virus and hantavirus
References
Before A Biological Threat
- More than 65 different potential bioterrorism agents have been identified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here, we list some of the most well-known agents, along with the disease it causes: Bacillus anthracis, anthrax; Clostridium botulinum, botulism; Yersinia pestis, pneumonic plague; variola major, smallpox; Francisell...
During A Biological Threat
- While several agents have already been used in acts of bioterrorism, which has given scientists the chance of predicting how future acts of bioterrorism with these agents may develop, allowing them to prevent and prepare to control and minimize the impact of such attacks, there is a great concern over the possibility for new agents to be developed with the use of modern technology. …
After A Biological Threat
- Das, S. and Kataria, V., 2010. Bioterrorism: A Public Health Perspective. Medical Journal Armed Forces India, 66(3), pp.255-260. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4921253/
- Potential Bioterrorism Agents. Baylor College of Medicine. Available at: https://www.bcm.edu/departments/molecular-virology-and-microbiology/emerging-infections-and-biodefense/potential-bioterroris...
- Das, S. and Kataria, V., 2010. Bioterrorism: A Public Health Perspective. Medical Journal Armed Forces India, 66(3), pp.255-260. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4921253/
- Potential Bioterrorism Agents. Baylor College of Medicine. Available at: https://www.bcm.edu/departments/molecular-virology-and-microbiology/emerging-infections-and-biodefense/potential-bioterroris...
- Select Agents and Toxins List. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.selectagents.gov/sat/list.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selectage…
- Wheelis, M. (2002). Biological Warfare at the 1346 Siege of Caffa. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 8(9), 971-975. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/8/9/01-0536_article
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