POSSIBILITY FOR EFFECTIVE PROTECTION AGAINST BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS

Abstract

Although of micrometric magnitude, the biological weapon used as an act of
bioterrorism is a global danger. The possibility of using biological weapons, more
and more as a security measure, is considered as a means of subversive activity rather
than a means of open warfare. Contemporary bacteriology provides a higher level
of techniques for creation of new deadly biological warfare agents. International
bans on the production and use of bio agents are not sufficient guarantee and protection
against the possible use of such agents in a future total war, nor are any obstacle
for use in terrorist goals. Here, the question arises about the possibilities for achievement
of total protection expressed through the forms of bio-defence and biosafety.
In this paper, there is a systematic attempt made to examine the (un)reasonableness
of the horrifying fear of modern genetic engineering technologies and the possibilities
for production of new, more dangerous agents. The results of this paper point to
relatively reassuring /complacent view in the biomedical community for the premature,
but still realistic possibility of an apocalyptic scenario as a consequence of the
use of bio agents. In addition to such views, scientific data on the relative efficacy of
existing procedures for detection of agents and care of endangered/infected subjects
on which antibiotic treatment, antibiotic-based therapies based on passive antibodies
and prophylaxis measures will be used are also discussed.