Bioterrorism: practical aspects

Garrote Moreno JI, Ureta Velasco N, Orduña Domingo A

Although biological weapons have been used since ancient times, general fear and the

concerns of Western governments over the possibility of bioterrorist attacks have meant

that this subject has received unparalleled attention in the past decade. The main

characteristics of a biological weapons attack are high yield at low cost, extensive

socioeconomic repercussions and press coverage, the potential to generate panic in the

population, and ease of creating and hiding the weapon. Biological agents may be

released openly, announcements or warnings may be given, they may be distributed

selectively, or they may be hidden before release. The United States Center for Disease

Control has described more than 150 agents as potential biological weapons, classifying

them in 3 groups according to risk, impact on public health, impact on the economy,

and availability or ease of manufacture. This review summarizes the epidemiologic,

diagnostic, clinical, therapeutic, and prophylactic aspects of bioterrorism.

Garrote Moreno JI, Orduña Domingo A, Ureta Velasco N