Bioterror agents

With respect to five-membered lactones fused to hexopyranose units, some approaches have been reported so far and the exploitation of their synthetic potential has led to the access of new carbohydrate derivatives. Bicyclic derivatives of this type are key intermediates in the synthesis of the epimer at C-3 of the sugar moiety contained in miharamycins [212, 213]. The latter are antibiotics known to inhibit strongly Pyricularia oryzae, which produces the rice blast disease. These compounds are also considered to be a potential bioterrorism agent (Scheme 42). Hence, the 3,3-spiroepoxide 176 was converted into the 3-C-cyanomethyl derivative 177, the hydrolysis of which led to spontaneous cyclization in the presence of... 

As we learned after the anthrax attacks in 2001, the ability to rapidly detect and to identify a bioterrorism agent is critical. A variety of methods are used for this purpose, including DNA fingerprinting, DNA sequencing, PCR, and ELISA immunoassays. As students read about how these methods are utilized in fighting terrorism, they learn how the methods work. It is even better if they can actually apply at least some of the methods in the laboratory. A number of suppliers provide kits designed for educational use,25 and in most cases, it is possible to use these activities in a way that simulates a bioterrorism scenario. 

How can early recognition be enhanced in community-based settings The approaches are essentially the same as for hospital-based clinicians. One component is a heightened awareness of potential bioterror agents by practitioners. A second component is increased attentiveness to unusual patterns of disease occurrence. A third component is use of a syndromic approach to clinical recognition of disease patterns. As with acute care clinicians, community-based clinicians must recognize that they may fill the role of first responders in a biological attack. 

Clinical Presentations for Other Potential Bioterror Agents... 

Laboratory tests are an Important adjunct in confirming the presence of suspected bioterror agents. Laboratory identification requires several approaches (Hen-chal, Teska, Ludwig, Shoemaker, Ezzell, 2001). One component is the use of culture methods. For the bacterial pathogens of interest [Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Frandsella tularensis), initial staining and microscopy results are available rapidly, and can assist... 

Even before the anthrax attack in 2001, a variety of detection systems had been developed for potential bioterror agents. A systematic review published in January 2004 identified publicly available articles on 55 such systems (Bravata et al., 2004). Various technologies were represented, including biomass indicators and identification systems targeting toxins, metabolic byproducts, antigens or DNA for selected agents. A key point made by the authors was that only eight of the published articles included evaluation data, and they identified system evaluation as an important area for further research. 

This is the Web site on bioterrorism developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Go to http //www.bt.cdc.gov/bioterrorism. Select List of Agents by Category under Specific Bioterrorism Agents. On that next page, select Anthrax under Category A. Review the material under What You Need to Know and any other Specific Topics of interest. 

There has also been speculation that there is a potential black market use of DU as a weapon for bioterrorism, or as part of a dirty bomb. However, a thorough evaluation of the toxicology of uranium indicates that DU is relatively inert, compared to other potential materials and organisms that could be used to make an effective bioterrorism weapon or dirty bomb. Indeed, the reason why DU may still be considered to be an excellent bioterrorism agent is the public perception that DU is a harmful chemical, even though the toxicology of the chemical and radiological effects are relatively mild. 

Sidwell, RW, Smee, DF. Viruses of the Bunya- and Togaviridae Families Potential as Bioterrorism Agents and Means of Control. Antiviral Research, 57(1-2) 101-111, 2003... 

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases. In addition, many public health diseases are included that may require differentiation from terrorist biological events, such as Avian Influenza, Chickenpox and West Nile Fever. 

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