Description:
New infectious agents continue to
emerge, as seen recently with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and
avian flu outbreaks, and the deliberate release of agents that can cause
significant veterinary or agricultural damage should not be ignored. Not only
do such releases have potentially devastating effects on the food supply but
the indirect costs can be very high. This article illustrates examples of
bacterial toxins as potential agents of bioterrorism, while some historical
aspects and the impact of bioterrorism are also described.
Learning Objectives:
- Reflect on the history of bioterrorism
- Discuss types of toxins that are used in bioterrorism
- Describe how toxins are used in bioterrorism
Author(s):
S. C. Clarke
Launched: 2006