Bioterrorism
- 1. BIOTERRORISM Submitted to:Dr D.K Sharma Dept. of Zoology Submitted By: Bivek Rai Roll No:171474112
- 2. Definition It is defined as a planned or destructive use of biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or toxin produced from living organisms. The unlawful use, or threatened use of microorganisms or toxins derived from living organisms to produce death and diseases in humans, animals or plant.
- 3. History Year Event 14th century BC The Hittites send rams infected with tularaemia to their enemies. 1763 British officers distribute blankets from smallpox hospital to native Americans. World War I German program; anthrax 1925 Geneva protocol banned biological weapons and Japan refused to accept the ban. 2011 Anthrax letter were sent to several location of U.S
- 4. Bioweapon “A harmful biological agent (such as a pathogenic microorganism or a neurotoxin) used as a weapon to cause death or disease usually on a large scale”
- 5. Bioweapon that may use……. ANTHRAX SALMONELLA SMALLPOX DIPTHERIA BOTULINUM TOXIN CHOLERATUBERCULOSIS BUBONIC PLAGUE HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZA
- 6. Key Features of Biological Agents Used as Bioweapons High morbidity and mortality Potential for person-to-person spread Low infective dose and highly infectious by aerosol Potential to cause anxiety Availability of pathogen and feasibility of production Environmental stability Potential to be “weaponized” It is invisible and microscopic
- 7. TYPES OF BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS…. CATEGORY- A Contagious High death rates and high health impact E.g; Anthrax, Botulism,Smallpox,Tula remia,Plague CATEGORY- B Moderately easy to spread Some illness and death rates E.g; typhus, salmonella CATEGORY- C easily available E.g: Nipah Virus, H1N1 a strain of Influenza
- 8. CATEGORY- A They can be easily spread or transmitted from person to person. High mortality rate causes public panic and social health disruption Ex: Smallpox Virus, Anthrax, Plague, Ebola etc
- 9. Anthrax as Bioweapon Infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. There are 3 forms of anthrax : 1. Cutaneous anthrax- the bacterium enters a cut in the skin 2. Intestinal anthrax- bacterium ingested from meat of infected animal causes inflammation of the intestines, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea 3. Inhalation anthrax- infects the lungs; initially cold or flu –like symptoms ,later develop into high fever and pneumonia
- 11. Category-B Moderately easy to spread Result in moderate illness rates and low death rates Ex. Ricin, Typhus, Salmonella
- 12. Ricin as Bioweapon Derived from castor bean plant Ingestion of poisoned food or contaminated water supply can cause intestinal bleeding and organ damage No anti-ricin vaccine or antidote exists
- 13. Category-C They are easily available. They are easily produced and spread. They have potential for high mortality rate & major health impact. Ex-Multi drugs resistant Tuberculosis, Nipah virus, Hanta virus
- 14. Biological Delivery Methods Food/water Aircraft sprayers Vehicle sprayers Mail Air handling system Human vector Animal vector Hand sprayers
- 15. EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICAL ATTACK According to World Health Organization Release of 50k.g. of Anthrax spores in 40k.m.² area will cause 1 lac death of people. Release of 50k.g. of plague spores in 20k.m.² area will cause 36000 death of people
- 16. DISADVANTAGES Unpredictability Longer residual effect Problem of dispersal and attack Living organisms may be destroyed when incorporated with bombs and missiles
- 17. Conclusion Terrorism with biological weapons is likely to remain rare. Because the magnitude of the threat is so difficult to calculate, however, it is sensible to focus on dual-use remedies: pursuing medical countermeasures that will improve public health in general, regardless of whether major biological attacks ever occur. This would include strengthening the international system of monitoring disease outbreaks in humans, animals, and plants and developing better pharmaceutical drugs.