ABSTRACT
It is difficult to find a good definition of a biological warfare (BW) agent or a biological weapon. In the Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) a very general definition is given. It reads:
1. Microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes. 2. Weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.
For the purpose of this study BW agents can be defined as pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses or toxins of biological origin that can be intentionally used in an act of warfare to cause injury or death to humans. Currently, about a dozen agents are considered high-priority pathogens for the development of medical biological warfare countermeasures. These agents are also known in this content as the “Dirty Dozen.” However, there are many more microorganisms and toxins that have the potential to be employed as BW agents. The Australia Group lists 70 human pathogens, the Directorate General SANCO of the EU-Commission evaluated about 174 potential agents and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named 23 agents as pathogens with the potential for weaponization or use for terror purposes.