title: [Biological weapons].
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.
authors: Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Marburg, Marburg. kerwat@med.uni-marburg.de
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Kerwat
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Becker
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Wulf
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Densow
mesh_terms: D055885:Biohazard Release; D001694:Biological Warfare / Q000379:methods*; D054045:Biological Warfare Agents / Q000145:classification*; D023482:Bioterrorism; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D004189:Disaster Planning; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011790:Quarantine
chemical_list: D054045:Biological Warfare Agents