Citation

Cenciarelli O, Riley PW, Baka A. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11(12): e11120681.

Affiliation

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Gustav III:s Boulevard 40, 169 73 Solna, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/toxins11120681

PMID

31757074

Abstract

The deliberate release of biological agents with terrorist or criminal intent continues to pose concerns in the current geopolitical situation. Therefore, attention is still needed to ensure preparedness against the potential use of pathogens as unconventional weapons. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is one such biological threat, characterized by an extremely low lethal dose, high morbidity and mortality when appropriately disseminated, and the capacity to cause panic and social disruption. This paper addresses the risks of a potential release of the botulinum neurotoxin and summarizes the relevant aspects of the threat.

Language: en

Keywords

biocrimes; biosecurity; bioterrorism; botulinum; botulism; poisoning