BIOTERRORISM
Presented by:Disha Sonowal
Roll no:44
Moderator :Dr Prapti Bora
Introduction
• Definition:Bioterrorism is a form of terrorism where there is
intentional and deliberate release of biological agents to cause
mass illness or death of people, animals or plants.
• Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi or their toxins.
Classification of bioterrorism agents
Category A :These agents are highest priority pathogens .
They pose the greatest risk to national security
Category B: These agents are the second highest priority
pathogens.
Category C: These agents are the third highest priority pathogens.
They are emerging pathogens , to which the general
population lacks immunity.
The biologic agents used as bioweapons should have the following key features:
1. Should produce high morbidity and mortality in the community.
2. Potential for person-to-person spread.
3. Should be of low infective dose.
4. Should be highly infectious by aerosol.
5. Lack of rapid diagnostic facilities.
6. Effective vaccine should not be available globally.
7. Potential to cause anxiety.
8. Availability of pathogen and feasibility of production.
9. Environmental stability—should have the potential to be “weaponized”.
History of Bioterrorism attacks
Biological weapons have been used since ancient time.
1. The first biological weapon was the fungus Claviceps purpurea
by the Assyrians in the sixth century BC.
2. Smallpox was used as a biological weapon by the British forces
during the Pontiac’s revolution against the Native American
Tribes.
Historical records suggest that the British deliberately gave
blankets contaminated with smallpox from their hospitals to Native
American emissaries.
• The plague bacilli were used in 14 th century.
• During World War I- Anthrax was used by Germany
to infect the mules and horses of enemies.
• During World War II-Japanese forces used Anthrax
and plague bacilli against prisoners.
• 2001 USA World Trade Centre attacks –Anthrax
spores were mailed to US media and government
offices during a terrorist attack. There were 22
cases with 5 deaths.
Development of Bioweapon
• Altering the genetic makeup of organisms has become easier and
less expensive due to accessible advanced technologies for
genetically modifying organism.
• Various possible ways to create bioweapons include :
1. Reconstruction of known pathogenic viruses using information
on their genetic sequences.
2. Alteration of existing bacteria to make them more dangerous.
3. Reconstruction of microorganisms that release harmful
biochemicals within human body and alterations to the human
host (modification of human microbiome, decreasing
immunity).
Prevention and Preparedness
• After the 2001 anthrax attack the US government has established
an emergency preparedness and response network to address
possible bioterrorism in the future.
• The network includes National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• It targets the following objectives-
1. Understanding the basic biology of potential bioterrorism
agents.
2. Developing and improving drugs and vaccines that are effective
against bioterrorism agents.
3. Developing tools to quickly and accurately diagnose diseases
caused by these agents.
4.Establishing resources and biosafety laboratories to facilitate
biodefense research.
What to do in case of a bioterrorism attack
1. Understand the threat and key agents.
. Learn about the possible bio threats and their signs and
symptoms.
. Know how these agents spread: airborne, waterborne etc.
2. Practice basic infection control
. Hand hygiene, wear mask, wear PPE
. Isolation measures
3. Know reporting and chain of command.
.Understand whom to report (CDC, health centres, emergency
services in case of unusual illness
4. Vaccinate as advised.
5. Prepare a personal and family emergency plan.
. Evacuation and quarantine strategies.
6. Stock essential supplies: First aid kit,2 weeks worth of food and
water, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer etc.
7.Boost situational awareness:
Monitor local news channels or alert systems for public health
warning.
8. Learn basic first aid and quarantine measures.
9.Participate in drills.
10.Practice psychological resilience and support.
Role of Healthworkers
• Early recognition of unusual disease patterns.
• Proper reporting to authorities.
• Implement infection control and isolation measures.
Conclusion
• Bioterrorism is a serious threat requiring vigilance.
• Knowledge of potential agents and response plans is vital.
THANK YOU
