Mell What is an example of a biological weapon?
Among the agents deemed likely candidates for biological weapons use are the toxins ricin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), botulinum toxin, and T-2 mycotoxin and the infectious agents responsible for anthrax, brucellosis, cholera, pneumonic plague, tularemia, Q fever, smallpox, glanders, Venezuelan equine …
What are the three types of biological agents?
Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions—even death.
How are chemical agents used in biological warfare?
In chemical warfare (CW) operations, chemical agents can kill or disable personnel by affecting their blood, nerves, eyes, skin, lungs, or stomach. Biological warfare (BW) operation agents include microorganisms, fungi, toxins, and microtoxins to cause diseases that will kill or produce other casualties.
Why is it important to know about biological warfare?
Biological warfare is a potential threat on the battlefield and in daily life. It is vital for neurologists and other health-care practitioners to be familiar with biological and toxic agents that target the nervous system.
What kind of pathogens are used in biological warfare?
Biological warfare involves the intentional release of living pathogens either in their naturally occurring form, for example the diseased corpses of animals, or in the form of specific human-modified organisms (in this context also known as ‘germ warfare’). This may include bacteria or viruses, or any pathogen that may cause disease.
How is biological warfare different from other weapons of mass destruction?
Biological warfare is distinct from warfare involving other types of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear warfare, chemical warfare, and radiological warfare. None of these are considered conventional weapons, which are deployed primarily for their explosive, kinetic, or incendiary potential.