Microorganisms and Bioterrorism

Publisher Summary Pathogenic microorganisms have shown the ability to infect humans, animals, or plants with devastating consequences; however, microbes can and have been spread deliberately by human activities either as biological warfare agents or more recently via bioterrorism. This chapter discusses the most likely microbial threats to humans and agriculture and the current approaches for detecting agents of concern. Among the numerous pathogenic agents, only a few are considered potentially serious that could be used as weapons and have been grouped into three different categories: A, B, and C. Category A includes the most dangerous and useful agents such as Bacillus anthracis. Category B includes potentially less dangerous and useful agents such as Brucella and other pathogens. Category C agents include emerging pathogens that may be potential future threats. Potable water can also be contaminated via terrorist activities through the deliberate injection of microbes into a utility distribution system. The spores of fungal pathogens could be sprayed into the air via small planes causing damage to specific agricultural crops such as soybean rust or wheat stem rust. Fomites can also play a significant role in the dissemination of bioterrorist agents such as Bacillus anthracis.