Biological warfare: the history of microbial pathogens, biotoxins and emerging threats
Alexa M Kaufer A C , Torsten Theis A , Katherine A Lau A , Joanna L Gray A and William D Rawlinson BA Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs, Biosecurity Department, Sydney, NSW, Australia
B Serology and Virology Division (SAViD), NSW Health Pathology, SOMS and BABS, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
C Email: alexa.kaufer@rcpaqap.com.au
Microbiology Australia 41(3) 116-122 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA20031
Published: 19 August 2020
Abstract
Bioterrorism is the deliberate misuse of a pathogen (virus, bacterium or other disease-causing microorganisms) or biotoxin (poisonous substance produced by an organism) to cause illness and death amongst the population. Bioterrorism and biological warfare (biowarfare) are terms often used interchangeably. However, bioterrorism is typically attributed to the politically motivated use of biological weapons by a rogue state, terrorist organisation or rogue individual whereas biological warfare refers to a country’s use of bioweapons. Although rare, bioterrorism is a rapidly evolving threat to global security due to significant advancements in biotechnology in recent years and the severity of agents that could be exploited. The pursuit of publicity plays a vital role in bioterrorism. The success of a biological attack is often calculated by the extent of terror resulting from the event, psychological disruption of society and political breakdown, rather than the lethal effects of the agent used.
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