Microorganisms as potent biological weapons The National – The National

MEDICAL SCIENCEA schematic of Ebola virus. Red blood cell stream outbreak, a potential biological weapon.

By GELINDE NAREKINEWORDS or phrases such as biological weapons, bioweapons, biological warfare, biowarfare, germ warfare, biological terrorism, or bioterrorism could send chills down ones spine.This is because few threats have the capacity of killing so many so fast as does biological terrorism. For years we lived under the fear of nuclear winter wiping out the human race. Now there is a similar threat from biological weapons and bioterrorism.Bioweapons involve the use of toxins or infectious agents that are biological in origin. This can include bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. These agents can be used to injure or kill people, animals, or plants, as part of an obvious or secretive war effort.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bioterrorism is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that can sicken or kill people, livestock, or crops.This can be achieved in a number of ways, such as via aerosol sprays, in explosive devices, via food or water, or absorbed or injected into skin. Because some pathogens are less robust than others, the type of pathogen used will depend on how it can be deployed. Utilising such weapons holds a certain appeal to terrorism. When compared with nuclear-powered warheads, missiles, or other more hi-tech equipment, the attraction is simple: Bioweapons are inexpensive to make, require materials, equipment, and expertise that are easy to procure, and, for the most part, involve biological agents that are readily available. As an added feature, bioweapons have the potential to cause great harm.The threat of bioterrorism has risen progressively in the world, particular over the last four or five decades. Unfortunately, the global reality of the difficult social, economic, and political environment has created conducive conditions for such threats to rise. With mounting religious fundamentalism in some countries, disillusioned nationalistic goals in others, economic deprivation in many, and, in the industrial West, the increased desperation of violent far-right groups, there has been a worldwide rise in terrorism in general. The combination of this increase, with a heightened appreciation of the evil attractiveness of bioweapons is what makes the current global situation so critical, and somewhat frightening.Although biological weapons are as old as human history, modern technology brings new worries. Some experts are concerned about recent advances in genetic engineering and gene editing technology. When utilised for good, the latest tools can work wonders. However, as with most cutting-edge technology, there is always the potential for misuse. The technology allows researchers to edit genes, thereby easily modifying DNA sequences to alter gene function.In the right hands, this tool has the potential to correct genetic defects and treat disease. However, when in the hands of those with alternate agenda, it has the potential for evil use. Thus, in 2016, gene editing was featured in a list of weapons of mass destruction and proliferation, as highlighted in World Threat Assessment, a report by the US Intelligence Community.Given the broad distribution, low cost, and accelerated pace of development of this dual-use technology, its deliberate or unintentional misuse might lead to far-reaching economic and national security implications. Advances in genome editing, have compelled groups of high-profile American and European biologists to question in 2015, the unregulated editing of the human germline (cells that are relevant for reproduction), which might lead to creation of inheritable genetic changes.

With futuristic next generation technologies, and an advanced knowledge of genetics, there would be no theoretical end to the misery that could be caused. There is potential to create drug-resistant strains of microorganisms, or pesticide-protected bugs, capable of wiping out a countrys staple crop.The Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention (Convention on the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of bacteriological weapons and their destruction) was signed in 1972 by 109 states (with notable exceptions). This treaty prohibits development or use of such weapons. Despite the existence of this international agreement and global understanding, within boundaries of some countries (also signatories to this treaty), there is reason to believe ongoing production of biological weapons. Such practices create avenues for dishonesty and deception, making efforts to maintain the integrity of such multinational treaties for goodwill and peace not only difficult, but also unrealistic.In the event of a medical emergency of pandemic scale, medical professionals are always on the frontline. Their responsibility with regard to bioterrorism goes beyond detecting an episode and treating its victims. They play an important duty to continue to institutionalize the scorn associated with the use of bioweapons.Furthermore, the medical profession plays an ethical role in relation to bioweapons, because this technology represents the ultimate perversion of biomedical research. Indeed, with the help of the rapidly growing field of bioengineering, the possibility exists of constructing new, doomsday organisms.Medical experts shudder at the thought of combining the contagiousness of common cold or even smallpox with the pathogenicity of Ebola virus. Using gene editing techniques, genomes of viruses can easily be manipulated for use as potent biological weapons.There are numerous historical accounts, from the ancient times to the most recent years that show use of biological agents for potential warfare purposes, causing panic and terror among civil populations. Nevertheless, their true frequency of use and impact remain very difficult to appreciate, because: (1) data are largely lacking; (2) reality was (and is) often hidden and manipulated, as the truth may not be openly disseminated, given its intrinsically non-ethical nature and therefore, rendered classified, and (3) the passage of time adds an additional layer of complexity by distorting facts. Addressing such impediments would pave way for better understanding of the true nature of production and the extent to which biological weapons are being used.Biological terrorism and smaller-scale atrocities involving microorganisms indeed constitute a reality a reality not void of myths, cover-ups, denial, controversies, and conspiracies.Regardless of all these, the use of microorganisms as potent biological weapons of bioterrorism still remain an undeniable reality. In light of all these, the question now should not whether it will occur, but rather, when will it occur. Or should we wait for another incident of catastrophic magnitude to solidify our resolve.I am indebted to the authors of following literatures for use of information on this article:

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Microorganisms as potent biological weapons The National - The National