ABSTRACT

Use of biologic agents as weapons of warfare, methods of terrorism, or means for engaging in criminal activity has come to the forefront of public attention in recent years. Widespread understanding of the biological threat in terms of biologic agents’ historic use is important for those who endeavor to find ways to protect society from those who intend to use these agents. It is important in this discussion to have some common definitions of terminology that we use. Biologic agent refers to any living organism or substance produced by an organism that can be used as a weapon to cause harm to humans. In the broadest sense, this includes any living organism or biologically derived substance, but in practical terms (for the classical biologic warfare agents), this list is limited to viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Biowarfare in its broadest sense refers to any use of these agents to harm others. However, biowarfare in more common usage ascribes to a narrower definition (i.e., refers to the use of a biologic agent by a nation-state as an act of war). Bioterrorism refers to the use of biologic agents by a political group, religious group, or cult (group not otherwise recognized as an extension of the government of a state) to achieve some intended political or ideological objective. The term biocrime refers to the use of biologic agents in the perpetration of criminal activity in which the perpetrator’s motivation appears to be personal in nature, as opposed to some broader ideological, political, or religious objective. These topics are discussed in greater detail in the chapter on the comparison of biological warfare and biological terrorism.