Mell What is the deadliest bioweapon?
Bacillus Anthracis (Anthrax)
Bacillus Anthracis (Anthrax) Bacillus anthracis bacteria, which causes anthrax, is one of the most deadly agents to be used as a biological weapon. It is classified by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a Category A agent, posing a significant risk to national security.
Are viruses made of cells?
Viruses are not made out of cells. A single virus particle is known as a virion, and is made up of a set of genes bundled within a protective protein shell called a capsid. Certain virus strains will have an extra membrane (lipid bilayer) surrounding it called an envelope.
What’s the difference between a disease and a virus?
Viruses are smaller than bacteria. Bacteria can survive without a host, although a virus can’t because it attaches itself to cells. Viruses almost always lead to diseases (at a much higher rate than bacteria).
Where did Ebola come from?
Ebola virus disease ( EVD ) is a severe disease caused by Ebola virus, a member of the filovirus family, which occurs in humans and other primates. The disease emerged in 1976 in almost simultaneous outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ) and Sudan (now South Sudan).
What kind of viruses are used in biological warfare?
According to Dr. Alibek, in the 1980s, the Soviet biological weapons program developed a chimera virus with the genes of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus. Reports suggested that research on an Ebola and smallpox chimera virus was also conducted. Through genetic manipulations, new viral agents may be introduced into biological warfare.
Which is the best agent for biological warfare?
The agent of choice for most biological warfare programs, writes Block, is anthrax. Anthrax bacteria produce extremely lethal spores, and breathing in large numbers can lead to inhalation anthrax — a disease that usually is fatal unless treated with large doses of a penicillin-type antibiotic immediately after exposure.
What makes biological warfare a weapon of mass destruction?
The following characteristics of biological warfare make them weapons of choice for mass destruction and terrorist action: incubation period (not immediate), amount required is less than chemical warfare agents, odorless, colorless, production with no need for specialized equipment, and natural distribution means that they can easily be obtained.
What are the symptoms of a biological warfare agent?
Most illnesses caused by biological warfare agents are not commonly considered neurological diseases; however, many of these agents may present with headache, meningitis, or mental status changes, in addition to fever and other symptoms and signs (Tables 2 and 3). A neurologist may therefore be consulted to aid in diagnosis.