Biological agent

Biological agents, also known as biological weapons or bioweapons, are special kinds of germs and toxins that can be used to harm people. These include living germs called pathogens, as well as poisonous substances made by living things.

These agents can make people very sick. Many of these germs are found in nature, like in water, soil, plants, or animals.

There is an international agreement called the Biological Weapons Convention that stops countries from making or storing these harmful agents. Scientists study these agents to find ways to protect people and to help in medical research, always working in very safe and controlled places.

Classifications

The United States once had special types of germs that could make people very sick. These germs included Bacillus anthracis and Botulinum toxin.

Now, the United States has rules for certain dangerous germs. These are called "select agents" and are watched very closely.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) puts these germs into three groups. Group A has germs that could cause big problems, like anthrax and smallpox. Health officials need to act quickly for these germs.

List of bio-agents of military importance

The following pathogens and toxins were weaponized by one nation or another at some time. NATO abbreviations are included where applicable.

Bacterial bio-agents

Chlamydial bio-agents

Rickettsial bio-agents

Viral bio-agents

Mycotic bio-agents

Biological toxins

Biological vectors

Simulants

Simulants are organisms or substances that act like real biological agents but are not harmful. They are used to test how well different methods of spreading agents work.

The typical size of simulants allows them to enter buildings and go deep into the lungs.

• Bacillus globigii (historically named Bacillus subtilis in the context of bio-agent simulants) (BG, BS, or U)
• Serratia marcescens (SM or P)
• Aspergillus fumigatus mutant C-2 (AF)
• Escherichia coli (EC)
• Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)
• Erwinia herbicola (current accepted name: Pantoea agglomerans) (EH)
• Fluorescent particles such as zinc cadmium sulfide, ZnCdS (FP)

International law

Main articles: Geneva Protocol and Biological Weapons Convention

Rules against using very powerful weapons began with the Geneva Protocol in 1925. This agreement stopped countries from using these weapons in wars but did not stop them from making or keeping them.

Later, in 1972, a stronger rule called the Biological Weapons Convention was made. This rule said that no one could make, get, or use these powerful weapons. Many countries agreed to this rule, and it helped create a global agreement that these weapons are wrong to use. However, the rule did not have strong ways to check if everyone was following it.

Over time, more groups and rules were added to help stop these weapons from spreading.

In popular culture

Main article: Biological warfare in popular culture

Biological agents are sometimes shown in movies, books, and other stories. These stories often talk about how tiny living things or harmful substances can be used in big ways. Experts think that in the future, new kinds of these agents could be made, which makes the topic interesting for many people.