Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism (pronounced: bio-ter-ror-ism) is the intentional release or dissemination of biological agents (bacteria, viruses, or toxins) that are naturally occurring or artificially produced, with the intent to harm or kill.
Etymology
The term "bioterrorism" is derived from the combination of the words "biological" and "terrorism". The prefix "bio-" comes from the Greek word "bios" meaning "life", and "terrorism" is derived from the French word "terrorisme", which is often associated with violence and intimidation for political purposes.
Related Terms
- Biological agent: A bacterium, virus, protozoan, parasite, or fungus that can be used purposefully as a weapon in bioterrorism or biological warfare. In addition to these, biological toxins or biological toxin-producing organisms, allergens, or venoms can also be considered biological agents.
- Biological warfare: The use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, insects, and fungi with the intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war.
- Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Toxin: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bioterrorism
- Wikipedia's article - Bioterrorism
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