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. Scientists have studied more than 1,200 different types of these agents, and they believe even more could be created in the future.

These agents can make people very sick in many ways, from mild reactions to very serious illnesses that can cause lasting damage or even death. Many of these germs are found all around us in nature, like in water, soil, plants, or animals. Sometimes scientists can change these germs to make them easier to spread or more harmful. They might also change them so normal medicines can’t stop them.

There is an international agreement called the Biological Weapons Convention that stops countries from making or storing these harmful agents. As of March 2021, 183 countries agreed to this rule. Even though making biological weapons is banned, scientists still 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 grouped certain harmful germs into two types: those that could harm or disable people. These included germs like Bacillus anthracis and Botulinum toxin.

Today, special rules in the United States list certain germs that could be dangerous to health and safety. These are called "select agents" and their use is closely watched.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sorts these germs into three groups. Group A has germs that could cause big problems, like anthrax and smallpox. These need quick action from health officials.

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 or to understand the risks from using biological agents in harmful ways. To mimic how real agents spread, simulants need to have similar sizes, weight, and surface properties.

The typical size of simulants (1–5 μm) allows them to enter buildings even when windows and doors are closed and to go deep into the lungs. This can be a health concern, even if the simulant itself is not harmful.

• 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 certain very powerful weapons started 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 very 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 to smaller groups or individuals.

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.