MICROBIOLOGY: morphology, structure, & function of typical bacteria, viruses and fungi; Characteristics and measurement of microbial growth; Classification of Microorganisms

BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS

Microorganisms and Biological Weapons (Case Study

Introduction

Special characteristics make some microorganism suitable for use as biological weapon . Some of these characteristics may be in terms of their ability to reproduce rapidly , ability to produces certain poisonous substance into the system of their host , ability to form spores or small particles which are easily transported from one spot to another , and their ability to suppress the host immune system

A brief review of the history of biological weapons shows that certain characteristics or products of some microorganism have

been tested and used as a biological weapon . These products or characteristics are used specifically to interfere with the anatomical and physiological processes of the host . Some of this microorganism falls under the larger group of microorganism such as the bacteria , fungi , and virus . The most common microbes used in biological weapon are : Bacteria (anthrax and clostridium botulinum , virus (small pox , yellow fever and marbug virus and fungi (Aspergillus mold

Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax

There are several attributes that makes bacillus anthracis (anthrax suitable for a biological weapon , some of this attributes are ability to form spores which are easily distributed as aerosols or stay in the soil for a longer period of term without being destroyed by harsh environmental conditions , ability to enter into its host via a cut or opening , by inhalation of its spores and eating of infected meat Infection caused by the bacteria usually depends on the mode of entry of the bacteria into it host , some...