A biological agent is a bacterium, virus, prion, fungus, or biological toxin that can be used in bioterrorism or biological warfare. More than 1200 different kinds of biological agents have been described and studied to date. Applying a slightly broader definition, some eukaryotes (for example parasites) and their associated toxins can be considered as biological agents.
Biological agents have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death. These organisms are ubiquitous in the natural environment; they are found in water, soil, plants, and animals. Because many biological agents reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for preservation, they are a potential danger in a wide variety of occupational settings.
[edit] Biological and toxin agents of military importance
[edit] Bacterial Biological Agents
[edit] Chlamydial Biological Agents
[edit] Rickettsial Biological Agents
[edit] Viral Biological Agents
[edit] Mycotic Biological Agents
[edit] Biological Toxins
[edit] Biological Vectors
[edit] Simulants
- MR - molasis residium
- BG - Bacillus globigii
- BS - Bacillus globigii
- U - Bacillus globigii
- SM - Serratia marescens
- P - Serratia marescens
- AF - Aspergillus fumigatus mutant C-2
- EC - E. coli
- BT - Bacillus thursidius
- EH - Erwinia hebicola
- FP - fluorescent particle
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
