Biodefense: a new challenge for microbiology and public health

• Published in: Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiología clínica Vol. 25; no. 3; p. 190
• Main Authors: Buitrago Serna, M José, Casas Flecha, Inmaculada, Eiros-Bouza, José M, Escudero Nieto, Raquel, Giovanni Fedele, Cesare, Jado García, Isabel, Pozo Sánchez, Francisco, Rubio Muñoz, José Miguel, Sánchez-Seco Fariñas, M Paz, Valdezate Ramos, Sylvia, Verdejo Ortes, José
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.03.2007
• Subjects: Anthrax - prevention & control; Bioterrorism; Civil Defense - methods; Civil Defense - trends; Communicable Diseases - diagnosis; Communicable Diseases - transmission; Disaster Planning; Early Diagnosis; Government Agencies; Humans; Infection Control - methods; Infection Control - trends; Medical History Taking; Microbiology - trends; Population Surveillance; Public Health; Spain; Toxins, Biological - analysis; Toxins, Biological - poisoning; Spain
• ISSN: 0213-005X
• DOI: 10.1157/13099372

Bioterrorism and the potential use of biological weapons has become an important concern of governments and responsible authorities. An example of this threat occurred in 2001 in the USA, when letters were sent containing spores of the agent that produces anthrax; this resulted in some deaths, and caused panic and negative effects on the world economy. If this small-scale event was able to cause such a huge impact, the repercussions of a massive attack could be catastrophic. In many countries, these events have resulted in the implementation of measures directed toward preventing and responding to bioterrorist threats and acts. As a whole, these measures are known as biodefense. This article briefly analyzes several aspects related to detecting and identifying acts of bioterrorism, and considers the biological agents that are implicated. The microbiological diagnosis that allows identification of the causal agent, a key point for taking suitable control measures, is also included.