Bioterrorism Research Paper

Anthrax, smallpox and plague potential bioterrorism agents and are caused by microbial pathogens. Bioterrorism is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically found in nature, but it is possible that they could be changed to increase their ability to cause disease, make them resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability to be spread into the environment. These pathogens are very dangerous and have been used by terrorists for many years. Each of these pathogens are very toxic and can attack the human body In many different ways. These can be used as a result of bioterrorism. Bioterrorism attacks mainly deal with agents that are typically found in nature. Biological agents can be spread through the water, food, …show more content…
Here in the United States anthrax is not common, however it can be possible to contract due to rare outbreaks that occurs with in the wild livestock. Some examples of animals that can carry Bacillus anthracis cattle, deer and sheep. There are different ways to contract anthrax, these ways are called; Inhalation anthrax, cutaneous, gastrointestinal anthrax, and newest findings called injection anthrax. The most dangerous way to contract anthrax is through inhalation . The reason that is is the most deadly is because once it is inhaled it can develop with in a week but can take up to two months. When treated for anthrax the survival rate is 55%. Inhalation anthrax is considered to be the most deadly form of anthrax. Infection usually If you do not get treated the rate of survival drops to 10 - 15%. develops within a week after exposure, but it can take up to 2 months. Without treatment, only about 10 - 15% of patients with inhalation anthrax