Disaster Preparedness: Biological Threats and Treatment Options

Abstract

Biological disasters can be natural, accidental, or intentional. Biological threats have made a lasting impact on civilization. This review focuses on agents of clinical significance, bioterrorism, and national security, specifically Category A agents (anthrax, botulism, plague, tularemia, and smallpox), as well as briefly discusses other naturally emerging infections of public health significance, Ebola virus (also a Category A agent) and Zika virus. The role of pharmacists in disaster preparedness and disaster response is multifaceted and important. Their expertise includes clinical knowledge, which can aid in drug information consultation, patient-specific treatment decision making, and development of local treatment plans. To fulfill this role, pharmacists must have a comprehensive understanding of medical countermeasures for these significant biological threats across all health care settings. New and reemerging infectious disease threats will continue to challenge the world. Pharmacists will be at the forefront of preparedness and response, sharing knowledge and clinical expertise with responders, official decision makers, and the general public.

A bibliometric analysis of Bacillus anthracis research published between 1975 and 2018

“…Anthrax is observed in the world in generally, with lower rates in developed countries. It is endemic in Africa and Asia and WHO estimates the global incidence is from 2000 to 20,000 [9,10]. Due to animal and human epidemics in a variety of regions on earth, it has a potential for use as a biological weapon and it is very difficult to monitor information related to anthrax which is still endemic in some regions.…”

History of the Plague: An Ancient Pandemic for the Age of COVID-19

“…Because this clinical subtype is specifically aerosolized, pneumonic plague could be used for potential bioterrorist attacks. 5,6,26 Its initially nonspecific, flu-like symptoms include sudden onset of high fevers and dyspnea within 4 days of plague exposure, progressing quickly to a purulent, frothy, or ultimately bloody cough. [21][22][23] Chest X-ray for primary pneumonic plague may show lobar pneumonia, which spreads rapidly throughout the lungs.…”

“…[1][2][3] An ancient disease, its bacterial agent (Yersinia pestis) still causes periodic outbreaks and remains endemic in some parts of the world. [4][5][6] Additionally, because it could be weaponized for world bioterrorism, understanding its clinical syndromes, epidemiology, and treatment options remains critical for medical practitioners. 5,6 Finally, recent molecular discoveries linking recessive familial Mediterranean fever mutations to plague immunity have revolutionized how scientists and historians alike view this novel evolutionary adaptation.…”

“…[4][5][6] Additionally, because it could be weaponized for world bioterrorism, understanding its clinical syndromes, epidemiology, and treatment options remains critical for medical practitioners. 5,6 Finally, recent molecular discoveries linking recessive familial Mediterranean fever mutations to plague immunity have revolutionized how scientists and historians alike view this novel evolutionary adaptation. 7,8 This history of medicine article sheds light onto the plague and provides insights that can help us manage the COVID-19 epidemic.…”

Metabolic fatigue in resuscitators using personal protection equipment against biological hazard

“…Emergency services should contemplate these situations when planning interventions. (7) Therefore, the question arises: Are all workers in the emergency services able to tolerate physiologically performing a resuscitation with PPE in the face of biological hazard? To answer this question, we selected a level of lactic acid above 4 mmol/L at the end of the intervention as the parameter for the appearance of metabolic fatigue.…”