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weaponspower. Point biolgicaaa.pptx
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- 2. ■ Defintion ■ Typesof biological weapons ■ Hazards of biological weapons ■ most common microbes used as biological weapons ■ WHO’s View on Biological weapons ■ CONTROL AND PREVENTION
- 3. What Are BiologicalWeapons? ■ Biological weapons (bioweapons) are microorganisms (like bacteria, viruses, or fungi) or toxins used to intentionally cause disease or death in humans, animals, or plants. ■ They are a form of biological warfare, often invisible and hard to detect. ■ Unlike conventional weapons, they spread infections and can lead to epidemics.
- 5. Types of Biological Weapons: ■1. Bacterial Agents ■ Cause diseases by infecting tissues and multiplying. ■ Examples: ■ Bacillus anthracis → Anthrax ■ Yersinia pestis → Plague ■ Francisella tularensis → Tularemia ■ 2. Viral Agents ■ Require host cells to replicate; often highly contagious. ■ Examples: ■ Variola virus → Smallpox ■ Ebola virus → Ebola hemorrhagic fever ■ Marburg virus
- 6. ■ 3. Toxins ■Poisonous substances from organisms (not infectious themselves). ■ Examples: ■ Clostridium botulinum toxin → Botulism ■ Ricin (from castor beans) ■ Staphylococcal enterotoxin B ■ 4. Fungal Agents ■ Less used in warfare, but can affect crops and livestock. ■ Examples: ■ Coccidioides immitis (causes respiratory infections) ■ Fungal crop pathogens (e.g., wheat rust)
- 7. Hazards of Biological Weapons ■High mortality and morbidity ■ Difficult to detect early ■ Rapid and uncontrollable spread ■ Psychological impact and public panic ■ Disruption of healthcare systems ■ Economic and agricultural damage ■ Potential misuse by terrorists or rogue states ■ Long-term environmental contamination
- 8. most common microbesused as biological weapons: ■ 1. Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) ■ Transmission: Inhalation, contact, ingestion. ■ Morbidity: Fever, shock, tissue necrosis, skin ulcers, abdominal pain. ■ Mortality:80-90% untreated; treatable with antibiotics. ■ Treatment: Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline), antitoxin.. ■ Use of Bacillus anthracis in Warfare: ■ World War I ■ World War II ■ 2001 USA Bioterrorism
- 9. ■ 2. VariolaVirus (Smallpox) ■ Transmission: Respiratory droplets and direct contact. ■ Morbidity: Fever, rash, organ failure, and severe scarring. ■ Mortality: 30% in unvaccinated individuals. ■ Treatment: No specific treatment; supportive care. ■ Use in Warfare ■ 18th Century ■ Cold War Era
- 11. Event Agent Used Location/ Target Effect Morbidity / Mortality Japanese Unit 731 (WWII) Plague, Cholera, Anthrax China (Manchuria) Human experiments, civilian attacks Thousands infected / 3,000+ deaths Anthrax Letters (2001, USA) Bacillus anthracis USA (media, politicians) Panic, mail shutdown, FBI case 22 infected / 5 deaths Sverdlovsk Leak (1979, USSR) Anthrax spores Soviet Union (military lab) Accidental outbreak ~100 cases / ~66 deaths Smallpox Blankets (1700s) Smallpox virus Native Americans Intentional infection via blankets Thousands died Ricin Assassination (1978) Ricin toxin London (Georgi Markov) Targeted political killing 1 death (no cure)
- 12. WHO’s View onBiological weapons ■ Condemnation – WHO strongly condemns the use of biological weapons as a threat to health and humanity. ■ WHO supports the Biological Weapons Convention to stop development and misuse of dangerous pathogens. ■ Preparedness – WHO helps countries strengthen lab safety, disease surveillance, and emergency health responses. ■ Health Impact – Biological weapons can cause large outbreaks, strain healthcare systems, and lead to uncontrollable spread.
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- 14. ■ Surveillance andEarly Response ■ Developing monitoring systems for the early detection of biological threats and outbreaks. ■ Vaccination and Immunization ■ Providing vaccines to prevent known biological diseases. ■ Training and Preparedness ■ Training healthcare workers to manage biological emergency situations. ■ Infrastructure and Biosafety ■ Improving healthcare facilities to ensure proper infection control. ■ Community Awareness ■ Spreading information about biological infection prevention methods.
- 15. ■ Vaccination andits Role in Reducing Infections in Warfare ■ Prevents disease spread in crowded war zones ■ Protects soldiers from biological weapon exposure ■ Helps eradicate deadly infectious diseases ■ Reduces casualties and pressure on healthcare