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Role
of
microbiological laboratories in case of bioterroristic attack
Abstract:
The threat of terrorists using biological warfare agents has
received increased attention in recent years. Biological agents
have been used as weapon for thousands of years to produce fear
and harm in humans. They are invisible, silent, odorless,
tasteless, easy to disperse and inexpensive to produce. In
this article, the properties of the most important biological
agents are presented. A short history of biological weapon usage,
and its clinical aspects are described. Microbiology laboratories
are considered to be the first lines of defense for recognision of
biological agents during a possible terrorism event. In the USA,
laboratories involved in preparedness to bioterrorism have been
classified by CDC into four biosafety levels depending on their
facilities and abilities. The paper focuses on the role of microbiology
laboratory in preparation for and response to a bioterroristic
event, clues indicating attack and identification methods of the
most important biological agents. The microbiologists can
provide a practical assessment of the biological weapons incident,
consequently the best response to a terroristic incident could be
undertaken, many lives saved, panic and crisis throughout the
country avoided.
1. Introduction.
2. Short
historical view on using of biological weapon. 3. Characterization
of biological weapon. 4. The
role of microbiological laboratories. 4.1. Clues
of a biological weapon attack. 4.2. Biosafety
in microbiological laboratories. 4.3. Organization
of microbiological laboratory network in the USA. 4.4. Packing
and shipping of infectious substances. 4.5. Laboratory
security. 4.6. Identification
of the most important biological weapon agents. 4.6.1. B.
anthracis.
4.6.2. Francisella
tularensis.
4.6.3. Yersinia
pestis.
4.6.4. Variola
virus. 4.6.5. Hemorrhagic
fever viruses. 4.6.6. Botulinum
toxin. 5. Summary |
