POTENTIAL BIOLOGICAL AGENTS INVOLVED IN BIOTERRORISM - OBSERVATIONS FROM A DENTAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Bioterrorism can be described as the intentional use of microbiological agents or their toxins as weapons in a wide sense. The intentional release or dissemination of a biological warfare agent (BWA), such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi, or biological toxins, is considered bioterrorism. Terrorists and military services are drawn to BWAs because of their unique qualities, which make them ideal for use as warfare agents. Several elements influence the success of a bioterrorism attack. Two major criteria are the type of BWA and the target population.