Search PubMed⌕ Search

PubMed · 12516022

[Consequences and challenges due to bioterrorist attacks].

Abstract

Ever since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and the cases of inhalational anthrax and other types of anthrax caused by attacks with anthrax spores, responsible authorities and experts must reckon with bioterrorist attacks conducted with much greater criminal "drive" and greater financial resources than had been imagined so far. This consideration triggered cautionary measures in Germany and Europe as briefly summarised here. For more detailed information please refer to internet (www.rki.de) and see the references given below.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

R Kurth. 2002. [Consequences and challenges due to bioterrorist attacks].. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2002-36454

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Portable 24-analyte surface plasmon resonance instruments for rapid, versatile biodetection.

Field use of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors for environmental and defense applications such as detection and identification of biological warfare agents has been hampered by lack of rugged, portable, high-performance instrumentation. To meet this need, we have developed compact multi-analyte SPR instruments based on Texas Instruments' Spreeta sensing chips. The instruments weigh 3 kg and are built into clamshell enclosures measuring 28 cm x 22 cm x 13 cm. Functions are divided between an electronics unit in the base of the box and a fluidics assembly in the lid. Automated valves and pumps implement an injection loop flow system that allows sensors to be exposed to sample, rinsed, and treated with additional reagents (such as secondary antibodies) under computer control. Injected samples flow over the surfaces of eight sensor chips fastened into a temperature-controlled silicone flowcell. Each chip has 3 sensing regions, for a total detection of 24 areas that can be simultaneously monitored by SPR. Coating these areas with appropriate antibodies or other receptors allows a sample to be screened for up to 24 different substances simultaneously. The instruments report refractive index (RI) values every second, with a typical noise level of 1-3 x 10(-6) RI units. The design of the device is described, and performance is illustrated with detection of six distinct analytes ranging from small molecules to whole microbes during the course of a single experiment.

Biological Warfare↗

Laser-induced fluorescence-cued, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy biological-agent detection.

Methods for accurately characterizing aerosols are required for detecting biological warfare agents. Currently, fluorescence-based biological agent sensors provide adequate detection sensitivity but suffer from high false-alarm rates. Combining single-particle fluorescence analysis with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) provides additional discrimination and potentially reduces false-alarm rates. A transportable UV laser-induced fluorescence-cued LIBS test bed has been developed and used to evaluate the utility of LIBS for biological-agent detection. Analysis of these data indicates that LIBS adds discrimination capability to fluorescence-based biological-agent detectors. However, the data also show that LIBS signatures of biological agent simulants are affected by washing. This may limit the specificity of LIBS and narrow the scope of its applicability in biological-agent detection.

Biological Warfare↗