Biowarfare and Bioterrorism

Abstract

Bioterrorism is not only a reality of the times in which we live but bioweapons have been used for centuries. Critical care physicians play a major role in the recognition of and response to a bioterrorism attack. Critical care clinicians must be familiar with the diagnosis and management of the most likely bioterrorism agents, and also be adequately prepared to manage a mass casualty situation. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the most likely agents of biowarfare and bioterrorism.

Biothreat Agents and Emerging Infectious Disease in the Emergency Department

“…Humans can contract 1 of 4 forms of the infection: cutaneous, inhalational, injectional, and gastrointestinal. 1,2 Of these forms, cutaneous is by far the most common and represents a majority of cases. 3 An intentional release of anthrax is expected to result in primarily inhalational cases.…”

“…3 An intentional release of anthrax is expected to result in primarily inhalational cases. 1 Anthrax is not contagious from person to person and no special precautions are required. 4 Adalja Cutaneous anthrax is characterized by a painless black ulceration ( Fig.…”

Biological Toxins and Bioterrorism

“…According to Christian (2013), the appearance of two to three cases of botulism should be enough to trigger consideration of an intentional bioterrorism event, while four or more cases of SEB intoxication should likewise raise that possibility.…”

“…Overview of selected biological toxins CDC 2001;Christian 2013;Froude et al 2011;Mantis 2005;Pappas et al 2006;Shapiro 1997;Shepherd 2010;Villar et al 2006) …”

SA-4-1BBL as a platform to develop adjuvant systems for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.

“…Yersinia pestis is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium which causes bubonic and pneumonic plague and has a potential to be used as a bioweapon [108][109][110]. Currently there is no FDA approved vaccine available to protect the public from a potential epidemic or bioterrorism event.…”