Biological warfare is the intentional use of microorganisms and toxins generally of microbial, pl... more Biological warfare is the intentional use of microorganisms and toxins generally of microbial, plant or animal origin to produce disease and death in humans, livestock and crops (Arora, 2002). The attraction of bio-weapons in war and use in terrorist attacks is attributed to easy access to a wide range of disease producing biological agents because of their low producing costs, non-detection by routine security systems and easy transportation from one place to another (Raghunath et al., 2000). The preferred biological agents are Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Ebola virus, Lassa virus, small pox virus, etc. and genetically engineered organisms that can survive, express and perpetuate in the natural environment (Hust, 2013). Bacillus anthracis is the toughest known biological agent. The WHO estimated that 50 kg of B. anthracis release upwind of a population centre of 5 lakh would result in upto 1 lakh deaths with an additional 1.25 lakh incapacitated persons (Piles et al., 1998). Inhalation of anthrax endospores reach alveoli where from macrophages, phagocytes and lysed endospores enter into regional lymph nodes, germinate and multiply within the lymphatic system in 1 to 43 days. Then they enter the blood stream and lead septic shock, toxemia and hemorrhagic meningitis. Ebola virus is transmitted by bats. They enter human body via contaminated meat, attack immune system and infected cells get transmitted throughout the body causing death (William, 2001). The main principles involved in bioterrorism are nature of organisms of concern, source of organisms, and dissemination of organisms. The dissemination of biological weapons can take place through aerosol sprays, explosives or food and water contamination (Batra, 2000). Attacks by such weapons may create high level of panic, environment contamination and extreme pressures on emergency health services (Harris, 2002). Current concerns regarding the use of bio-weapons result from the increased proliferation of such weapons and the acquisition of these cheaper weapons by terrorist organizations (Levy, 2003). The need of the hour is to develop full international cooperation and to educate the likely target populations about precautions and protective measures against a possible biological weapon attack (Osterholm, 2001).
Biological warfare is the intentional use of microorganisms and toxins generally of microbial, pl... more Biological warfare is the intentional use of microorganisms and toxins generally of microbial, plant or animal origin to produce disease and death in humans, livestock and crops (Arora, 2002). The attraction of bio-weapons in war and use in terrorist attacks is attributed to easy access to a wide range of disease producing biological agents because of their low producing costs, non-detection by routine security systems and easy transportation from one place to another (Raghunath et al., 2000). The preferred biological agents are Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Ebola virus, Lassa virus, small pox virus, etc. and genetically engineered organisms that can survive, express and perpetuate in the natural environment (Hust, 2013). Bacillus anthracis is the toughest known biological agent. The WHO estimated that 50 kg of B. anthracis release upwind of a population centre of 5 lakh would result in upto 1 lakh deaths with an additional 1.25 lakh incapacitated persons (Piles et al., 1998). Inhalation of anthrax endospores reach alveoli where from macrophages, phagocytes and lysed endospores enter into regional lymph nodes, germinate and multiply within the lymphatic system in 1 to 43 days. Then they enter the blood stream and lead septic shock, toxemia and hemorrhagic meningitis. Ebola virus is transmitted by bats. They enter human body via contaminated meat, attack immune system and infected cells get transmitted throughout the body causing death (William, 2001). The main principles involved in bioterrorism are nature of organisms of concern, source of organisms, and dissemination of organisms. The dissemination of biological weapons can take place through aerosol sprays, explosives or food and water contamination (Batra, 2000). Attacks by such weapons may create high level of panic, environment contamination and extreme pressures on emergency health services (Harris, 2002). Current concerns regarding the use of bio-weapons result from the increased proliferation of such weapons and the acquisition of these cheaper weapons by terrorist organizations (Levy, 2003). The need of the hour is to develop full international cooperation and to educate the likely target populations about precautions and protective measures against a possible biological weapon attack (Osterholm, 2001).
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