Discussion
After our research we have attempted to assess the risk for future biological or chemical terrorist attacks involving anthrax, botulism, sarin gas, or smallpox. Smallpox and botulism don't seem to be huge threats, as smallpox is currently eradicated and botulism seems to occur accidentally more so than as a weapon. Sarin gas and anthrax seem to have relatively higher chances for future terrorist attacks because they are both highly toxic and easily dispersed. Of the four agents we researched, sarin gas seems like it has the highest risk for future abuse as a biochemical weapon because of the short time period needed for it to do its damage. Due to these risks, it might be in humanity's best interest to conduct further research in preventing and/or defending against attacks making use of agents such as these.
Conclusion
Anthrax is a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, an endospore forming, gram positive bacterium. Spores of Bacillus anthracis occur naturally in the soil, and germinate when they enter a hosts’ body and take their virulent form. The major virulence factors of B. anthracis are a poly-D glutamic acid capsule and the anthrax toxin which is composed of a three-component protein endotoxin. Anthrax toxin leads to edema formation and cell lysis, which can kill its host without proper antibiotic or antitoxin treatment. Anthrax spores can be used as a biological warfare weapon because of their light, odorless, colorless spores that are extremely viable. These spores can be used to quickly and easily infect large populations without being detected.
The gram positive bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, can cause foodborne, infant, intestinal, and wound-related botulism poisoning. This illness can result in paralysis and death if not treated quickly enough. C. botulinum makes 7 serotypes of neurotoxin called BoNT A-G that cause damage to the nervous system by blocking the release of acetylcholine.
Sarin is a potent nerve agent that has been used as a chemical weapon since World War II. It acts as an irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, leading to muscle paralysis due to overstimulation and death shortly after exposure. Because of its ease of dispersal and absorption into the body coupled with its lethality, it is no surprise that sarin is still used in modern times as an effective but unethical chemical weapon.
Variola virus, the cause of Smallpox, is highly contagious and has an average of 30% mortality. It infects the body and targets skin cells, causing a rash that evolves into pustules that later scab over. It has a complex life cycle and has a long past of influencing human history. There are very limited options for treating the disease.
These four agents, two bacteria, a virus, and a chemical, are perfect examples of humanity's ingenuity, and their need to develop more effective methods of ensuring dominance over their rivals.
The gram positive bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, can cause foodborne, infant, intestinal, and wound-related botulism poisoning. This illness can result in paralysis and death if not treated quickly enough. C. botulinum makes 7 serotypes of neurotoxin called BoNT A-G that cause damage to the nervous system by blocking the release of acetylcholine.
Sarin is a potent nerve agent that has been used as a chemical weapon since World War II. It acts as an irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, leading to muscle paralysis due to overstimulation and death shortly after exposure. Because of its ease of dispersal and absorption into the body coupled with its lethality, it is no surprise that sarin is still used in modern times as an effective but unethical chemical weapon.
Variola virus, the cause of Smallpox, is highly contagious and has an average of 30% mortality. It infects the body and targets skin cells, causing a rash that evolves into pustules that later scab over. It has a complex life cycle and has a long past of influencing human history. There are very limited options for treating the disease.
These four agents, two bacteria, a virus, and a chemical, are perfect examples of humanity's ingenuity, and their need to develop more effective methods of ensuring dominance over their rivals.