Biological Warfare Agents
ثبت نشده
چکیده
Biological warfare agents were one of the most feared classes of weapons that coalition troops believed Iraq might use against them. Biologic agents can either be sufficiently toxic that they kill their victims quickly, or they may induce a sufficient degree of acute disability that troops cannot fight effectively or defend themselves against an attack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2000) recently reviewed aspects of biological and chemical terrorism, looking at likely threats, particularly although not exclusively at civilian vulnerability. Although a number of possible biological warfare agents are known, the ones considered most likely to be used against Gulf War troops were anthrax and botulinum toxin. The medical consequences of exposure to these two agents1 are well understood (Iowa Persian Gulf Study Group, 1994), and diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies exist for each.
منابع مشابه
Detecting Biological Warfare Agents
We developed a fiber-optic, microsphere-based, high-density array composed of 18 species-specific probe microsensors to identify biological warfare agents. We simultaneously identified multiple biological warfare agents in environmental samples by looking at specific probe responses after hybridization and response patterns of the multiplexed array.
متن کاملMass Spectrometry of Breath for the Diagnosis of Infection and Exposure
he inability to distinguish among people infected by agents of biological warfare, those infected by more benign agents, and those who simply perceive relevant signs and symptoms has been a major impediment to the rapid resolution of biological warfare attacks. The initial signs and symptoms reported for infection with biological warfare agents mimic those of more common illnesses such as the f...
متن کاملBiological warfare--an emerging threat.
As we approach the 21st century, there is an increasing worldwide awareness and threat regarding the use of biological warfare agents both for war and terrorist attack. Biological agents include microorganisms or biological toxins that are used to produce death in humans, animals and plants. They are characterized by low visibility, high potency, substantial accessibility and relatively easy de...
متن کاملPersonal protection during resuscitation of casualties contaminated with chemical or biological warfare agents--a survey of medical first responders.
INTRODUCTION The threat of mass casualties caused by an unconventional terrorist attack is a challenge for the public health system, with special implications for emergency medicine, anesthesia, and intensive care. Advanced life support of patients injured by chemical or biological warfare agents requires an adequate level of personal protection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the person...
متن کامل