Gives readers a detailed understanding of how specific biological weapons work and how those affected by the weapons would be treated

The subject of bioterrorism is only mentioned tangentially, if at all, in most undergraduate programs; however, biological weapons are a very real threat to all societies around the world. Some agents are available for legal purchase on the Internet with the proper credentials, and it is extremely likely that an international black market exists for the deadliest of these agents. Protocols for weaponizing some agents are available on the Internet, and most of the required materials can be purchasedat any large hardware store. Biological Weapons: Recognizing, Understanding, and Responding to the Threat is designed for anyone seeking knowledge on bioterrorism and biological weapons; one does not have to be a medical professional or even a science major to understand the discussions and terminology in this text.

The book is separated into four units and provides an overview of microbiology, the human immune system, agencies that monitor biological threats, and the major threats from bacteria, toxins, and viruses. The opening chapters include sufficient background for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. The Chapter Review Questions found at the end of each chapter provide a quick way to test understanding of the material, and the Unit Reviews help tie it all together.

Biological Weapons covers:

• Overviews of microbiology, immunology, and defense agencies
• Bacterial Weapons such as Anthrax, Plague, Tularemia, and Cholera
• Toxins including: Ricin, Botulism, and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B
• Viruses including: Ebola, Smallpox, Hantavirus, Viral encephalitis, Nipah Virus, Lassa Fever
• A closing chapter looking ahead at Policies, Procedures, & Prevention

The material presented here will increase the general knowledge of biological warfare agents and the dangers they present. The more aware we are of the threat, the more prepared our society will be to respond to an act of biological terrorism.