BIOTERRORISM

(NBC)

Prof. Dr. I. Dudani

NBC=Nuclear,Biological,Chemical
 Definition:

IS THE USE OF BIOLOGICAL

SUBSTANCES OR PATHOGENS TO
TERRORISE OR KILL PEOPLE.
(NBC)
 MERITS

1. LOW COST
2. LARGE QUANTITIES CAN BE PRODUCED
3. VERY TOXIC
4. DESTROYS HUMANS/ANIMALS NOT
PROPERTY
5. DEFFICULT TO DETECT BY SECURITY
 DEMERITS

1. DIFFICULT TO PROTECT WORKERS

2. MAY DISPERSE IN UNEXPECTED
WAYS
3. DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ONCE
RELEASED
4. NO EFFECTIVE DELIVERY SYSTEM
 HISTORY / EVOLUTION
PHASE I : Gases like chlorine & phosgene
were used in world war I

PHASE II: Use of nerve gas-Tabum (chlorine

estrase inhibitor), Anthrax, Plague,
etc used in world war II

PHASE III: Herbicides used to destroy crops

PHASE IV: Biotechnological & genetic

engineering
 AGENTS
1. Chemicals

2. Bacteria

3. Viruses

4. Toxins

5. Ionizing radiation
Common Biological Weapons
1. Bacillus Anthrax: A zoonotic disease of
sheep and cattle, transmitted to human
by inhalation of spores (woolsorter’s
disease) causing pulmonary anthrax--
abrupt onset, cynosis, shock, septicemia
and death. I-P: 1day to 8 wks.Treatment:
ciprofloxacin 400-800 mg iv bid.
Vaccination: 6 doses SC 0,2,4 wks, 6,12,
18 months.
2. Plague:(Bubonic, Pneumonic and
Septicemic) Yersinia pestis
Treatment: Strptomycin, chloromycetin,
and doxycycline
Vaccine : Formalin killed
3. Smallpox virus: Variola virus
Eradicated Treatment: Not effective
Vaccine: Effective
4. Ebola virus: Affects capillaries causing loss
of blood and serum resulting in conjunctival
haege and multi-organ failure
5.Clostridium Botulinum: Endotoxin is
powerful neurotoxin causing paralysis of
parasympathetic system transmitted through
water and food.
Vaccination: Polyvalent antitoxin or 3 doses
of toxoid at 2 months interval
6. Vibryo cholarae
7. Mycotoxin: Toxic product of fungi as
aspergillus, penicillium fusarium contaminate
grains
8. Newer trends: Hormones, Neuropeptides,
Cytokines called designer substances
 Delivery of BW
1. Scud missiles

2. Hand pump spray

3. Book or letter

4. Remote control devices

5. By individual etc etc

 Steps to be taken:
1. Detection
2. Notification
3. Investigation
4. Medical intervention
5. Prophylaxis
6. Public awareness
7. Public preparedness
8. Legislation
BIOLOGICAL
WARFARE IS A
REALITY