Citation

Kerwat K, Becker S, Wulf H, Densow D. Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. 2010; 135(33): 1612-1616.

Vernacular Title

Biologische Waffen.

Affiliation

Klinik fur Anasthesie und Intensivmedizin, Universitatsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Marburg.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-0030-1262454

PMID

20717866

Abstract

Biological weapons are weapons of mass destruction that use pathogens (bacteria, viruses) or the toxins produced by them to target living organisms or to contaminate non-living substances. In the past, biological warfare has been repeatedly used. Anthrax, plague and smallpox are regarded as the most dangerous biological weapons by various institutions. Nowadays it seems quite unlikely that biological warfare will be employed in any military campaigns. However, the possibility remains that biological weapons may be used in acts of bioterrorism. In addition all diseases caused by biological weapons may also occur naturally or as a result of a laboratory accident. Risk assessment with regard to biological danger often proves to be difficult. In this context, an early identification of a potentially dangerous situation through experts is essential to limit the degree of damage.

Language: en