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Preventive and therapeutic approaches to viral agents of bioterrorism
Michael S Bronze1, Ronald A Greenfield
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Oklahoma Health, Sciences Center and the Oklahoma City, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Oklahoma City, USA. Michael-Bronze@ouhsc.edu
Abstract:
Certain viruses, such as those that cause smallpox and hemorrhagic fevers, have been identified as possible bioterrorism agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They have been designated as potential threats because large quantities can be propagated in cell culture, they are transmissible as aerosols and, for the most part, there are only limited vaccine and pharmaceutical strategies for either prevention or treatment of established infection. An additional concern is the potential to genetically modify these agents to enhance virulence or promote resistance to vaccines or identified antivirals. Although the major impact of these agents is human illness, the release of zoonotic agents, such as the Nipah virus, would have consequences for both humans and animals because infected and noninfected animals might need to be sacrificed to control the spread of infection. Continued research is necessary to develop effective strategies to limit the impact of these biological threats.
Insights
Certain viruses are potential bioterrorism agents due to ease of propagation and limited treatments. Research is crucial for developing effective strategies against these biological threats.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Biosecurity
Background:
- Certain viruses, including those causing smallpox and hemorrhagic fevers, are identified as potential bioterrorism agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- These agents pose significant threats due to their ability to be propagated in large quantities, aerosol transmission, and limited existing medical countermeasures.
- The potential for genetic modification to increase virulence or resistance to treatments adds to the concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the threat posed by specific viral agents identified as potential bioterrorism agents.
- To underscore the challenges in preventing and treating infections caused by these viruses.
- To emphasize the need for continued research in developing effective control and mitigation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of information regarding viral agents designated as bioterrorism threats.
- Analysis of characteristics that contribute to their threat potential (e.g., propagation, transmission, genetic modification).
- Consideration of the broader public health and animal health implications, including zoonotic spillover.
Main Results:
- Viruses causing smallpox and hemorrhagic fevers are classified as bioterrorism threats.
- Limited vaccine and pharmaceutical options exist for prevention and treatment.
- Zoonotic viral agents like Nipah virus present risks to both human and animal populations.
Conclusions:
- Continued research is essential for developing effective strategies against bioterrorism viral agents.
- Robust public health and biosecurity measures are necessary to mitigate the impact of these threats.
- Addressing the challenges of prevention, treatment, and control is critical for safeguarding public and animal health.