32 Questions
What is the definition of bioterrorism?
The premeditated threat or actual use of biological weapons to produce disease or death in people, animals, or plants
What are the key features of biologic agents used as bioweapons?
High morbidity and mortality, low infective dose, and rapid diagnostic capability
What types of biological agents are used as bioweapons?
Bacteria, viruses, and biological toxins
How does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify potential biologic threats?
Classifies potential threats into categories A, B, C based on their ability to be weaponized
What are the characteristics of Category A biological agents according to the CDC classification?
High morbidity and mortality rates, person-to-person spread, and public panic-causing potential
What is the primary goal of a bioterrorist act?
To create fear and intimidate governments or societies for achievement of political, religious, or ideological goals
Why are biological agents likely to be used by terrorists as weapons?
They are capable of damaging populations, economies, and food supplies
What are the routes of entry into the human body for biological agents mentioned in the text?
Ingestion, dermal penetration, inhalation
Which form of anthrax infection is considered to be the most deadly?
Pulmonary anthrax
What are the pathological effects of anthrax related to?
Toxins produced - Lethal toxin, Oedema toxin & Protective antigen
Which agent is categorized as Category B for biological agents?
Q fever (caused by Coxiella burnetii)
Why are aerosols an efficient way to affect the maximum number of people with a single attack using biological agents?
They can bypass the body's defense mechanisms
In which form does cutaneous anthrax usually present?
Black necrotic lesion with a definite edematous margin on hands, arms, face or neck
What is the most common route of infection for humans with anthrax?
Contact with infected animals
What type of colonies does Bacillus anthracis form when cultured?
Non-hemolytic, large, dense, grey-white irregular colonies
What is the specimen used for laboratory diagnosis of anthrax?
Blood or sputum sample
What is the primary intent of a bioterrorism act?
To cause fear and intimidate governments or societies
What are the key features of biologic agents used as bioweapons according to the text?
High morbidity and mortality, low infective dose, lack of rapid diagnostic capability
According to the CDC classification, which category of biological agents might cause public panic and social disruption?
Category A
What are the characteristics of Category A biological agents according to the CDC classification?
Easily disseminated, high morbidity and mortality, potential for person-to-person spread
What types of biological agents does the CDC classify as potential biologic threats?
Bacteria, viruses, biological toxins
What are the key characteristics of biologic agents used as bioweapons according to the text?
High morbidity and mortality, potential for person-to-person spread, lack of rapid diagnostic capability
Why are biological agents likely to be used by terrorists as weapons?
They cause fear, panic, and social disruption
Which of the following is a characteristic of Category B biological agents according to CDC classification?
Moderately easy to disseminate with moderate morbidity
What is the most common form of anthrax infection?
Cutaneous anthrax
Why are aerosols considered an efficient way to affect the maximum number of people with a single attack using biological agents?
They can reach a large number of people through inhalation
What is the primary route of entry into the human body for biological agents mentioned in the text?
Inhalation
What is the characteristic presentation of pulmonary anthrax?
Chest pain, fever, cough with hemorrhagic mediastinitis
What is the most significant reason for the potential use of biological agents as weapons by terrorists?
Ability to create fear, panic, and social disruption
Which form of anthrax infection is considered to be the most deadly?
Pulmonary anthrax
What are the key characteristics of biologic agents used as bioweapons according to the text?
Potential for high morbidity and mortality
What is the specimen used for laboratory diagnosis of anthrax?
Blood or sputum
Study Notes
Definition and Features of Bioterrorism
- Bioterrorism is the use of biological agents as weapons to intentionally cause harm or threaten harm to humans, animals, or plants.
- Key features of biologic agents used as bioweapons include high propagation potential, ease of production, and high mortality rate.
Types of Biological Agents
- Biological agents used as bioweapons include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and toxins.
- Examples of biological agents include anthrax, smallpox, and plague.
CDC Classification of Biological Agents
- The CDC classifies biological agents into three categories: A, B, and C.
- Category A biological agents are considered to be the highest risk and have the potential to cause widespread illness and death.
- Category A biological agents include anthrax, smallpox, and plague.
Characteristics of Category A Biological Agents
- Category A biological agents are highly infectious, have high mortality rates, and are easily transmitted from person to person.
- These agents can cause widespread panic and social disruption.
Primary Goal of Bioterrorism
- The primary goal of a bioterrorist act is to create fear, panic, and disruption of society.
Why Biological Agents are Used by Terrorists
- Biological agents are likely to be used by terrorists because they are easy to produce, transport, and disseminate, and can cause widespread illness and death.
Routes of Entry for Biological Agents
- Biological agents can enter the human body through the skin, respiratory, or gastrointestinal systems.
Characteristics of Anthrax
- The most deadly form of anthrax infection is inhalation anthrax.
- Cutaneous anthrax usually presents as a skin lesion.
- The most common route of infection for humans with anthrax is through the skin.
- Bacillus anthracis forms grey-white colonies when cultured.
- The specimen used for laboratory diagnosis of anthrax is tissue or fluid samples.
Primary Intent of Bioterrorism
- The primary intent of a bioterrorism act is to create fear, panic, and disruption of society.
Characteristics of Category B Biological Agents
- Category B biological agents are moderately easy to disseminate and have moderate mortality rates.
Efficiency of Aerosols
- Aerosols are an efficient way to affect the maximum number of people with a single attack using biological agents because they can be easily disseminated and inhaled.
Pathological Effects of Anthrax
- The pathological effects of anthrax are related to the production of toxins that cause cell death and tissue damage.
Most Common Form of Anthrax Infection
- The most common form of anthrax infection is cutaneous anthrax.
Presentation of Pulmonary Anthrax
- The characteristic presentation of pulmonary anthrax is a severe flu-like illness with rapid progression to respiratory failure.
Test your knowledge of the definition and key features of bioterrorism, including the use of biological weapons, intended impact, and biologic agents. Explore the premeditated threat or actual use of biological weapons to produce disease or death in people, animals, or plants.
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