Abstract This paper describes the categories of biological agents that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified as posing a significant bioterrorism risk. The paper points out that botulinum toxin produced by the bacteria clostridiumbotulinum has been tagged by the CDC as being in the highest risk category because it is easily transmitted from one person to another, possess high morbidity rates and has the potential for widespread panic and public chaos. The paper relates that there is a great challenge to health authorities in distinguishing a naturally-occurring botulism outbreak and one that is the result of a terrorist attack because the botulism symptoms from either scenario are the same.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
ClostridiumBotulinum and the Botulinum Toxin
Botulism: Background, Pathogenesis and Treatment
Botulism and Bioterrorism
Challenges to Preventing a Botulinum Bioterrorist Attack
Conclusion
From the Paper "Biological agents used in bioterrorism attacks are commonly found in nature but are often scientifically manipulated in order to increase their potency, their antimicrobial resistance and their dispersal factor. In their campaign to sow their seeds of terror, terrorists have increasingly turned to biological warfare because unlike traditional tactics such as nuclear warfare, biological weapons are inconspicuous and often invisible to the human eye. They remain undetected by authorities during their latent or incubation periods as they slowly infect the majority of the population."
Tags: category, clostridiumbotulinum, nature, dispersal rate, incubation periods
Abstract This paper explains that tetanus is an acute toxemia caused by clostridium tetani infection usually from a laceration or break in the skin. In adults, the most characteristic symptom of generalized tetanus is lockjaw or trismus. The author stresses that the best possible management for this infection is through rigorous immunization programs especially needed in developing countries. The paper examines target populations, mechanisms and the structure of the toxin and diagnostic techniques.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Target Population, Symptoms, Mortality Rate
Target Population
Symptoms and Mortality Rate
Wound Management, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Wound Management and Treatment
Table: The Ablett System for Determination of Tetanus Severity
Diagnosis
Tetanus Toxin, Pathogenesis and Mechanisms
Possible Resistance to Certain Antibiotics
Conclusion
Table: Differential Diagnosis of Tetanus
From the Paper "Almost 50% of the deaths caused annually by tetanus are caused by neonatal tetanus. Thus newborns are a very susceptible population especially in places where people still employ traditional midwifery practices such as cutting the cord with grass or dirty scissors, or rubbing manure on the umbilical stump. The neonate mortality rate may be decreased if there was better provision of medical essentials like maternal immunization and artificial ventilation for tetanus cases. Another section of the target population includes patients over the age of 60 years."
Tags:clostridium lockjaw newborns wound, spatula test
Abstract The paper examines the role science is playing in detecting the use of biological agents by terrorists and discusses how it is evident that its major task is to develop and improve scientific devices that can detect biological agents such as anthrax, ricin, botulinum, smallpox and others. The paper explains how these biological agents could inflict horrific casualties and there is little if any defense against them except to detect them as quickly as possible, isolate the area and quarantine anyone who may have been exposed to them. In order to fully understand the vital role of science in dealing with bioterrorism threats, the paper states that it is necessary to initially discuss the nature of bioterrorism attacks.
Abstract This paper discusses bioterrorism and the dangers it brings to living organisms. It examines the history of bioterrorism from ancient times to the twentieth century and explains that it wasn't until the 1930s that the real science of bioterrorism really began to blossom. The writer looks at the research done on biological warfare, with special reference to the anthrax and botulinum toxins. The writer also believes that the technical community has the greatest challenge in developing biological agent detection both for the battlefield, and for civilian use. The writer concludes that the more we search for answers to counter the effects of bioterrorism the worse is gets.
From the Paper "Throughout history, warriors and terrorists have used a wide range of tactics and
techniques to help defeat their enemy on and off the battlefield. These weapons of war
have evolved from throwing rocks and sticks at each other to the unthinkable weapons of
mass destruction called bioterrorism. You may ask yourself, what is bioterrorism? The
Center for Disease Control defines bioterrorism as the intentional or threatened use of bacteria, fungi, or toxins from living organisms to produce death or disease in humans, animals, or plants and involves intimidation of nations or people to accomplish political or social ends. (CDC 2005) In ancient times, archers shot arrows at their enemies that were dipped in blood from dead and decomposing bodies, while others had the feces of animals smeared onto the tips to cause severe infection after entering the body."
Tags: disease, control, anthrax, war, crimes, microbiology, FBI
