Biological agent

A Biological agent (pronounced: /baɪˈɒlədʒɪkəl ˈeɪdʒənt/) is a bacterium, virus, protozoan, parasite, or fungus that can be used purposefully as a weapon in bioterrorism or biological warfare. In addition to these living and/or replicating pathogens, toxins and biotoxins are also included among biological agents.

Etymology

The term "Biological agent" is derived from the Greek word "βίος" (bios), meaning "life", and the Latin word "agens", meaning "doing". It refers to a substance that is capable of acting on living organisms.

Related Terms

Bioterrorism: The intentional release or dissemination of biological agents for the purpose of causing harm.
Biological warfare: The use of biological toxins or infectious agents with the intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants.
Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
Toxin: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
Biotoxin: A toxic substance produced by a living organism, often with metabolic function.
Bacterium: A member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms which have cell walls but lack organelles and an organized nucleus, including some which can cause disease.
Virus: A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.
Protozoan: A diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms, many of which are motile.
Parasite: An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.
Fungus: Any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Biological agent
Wikipedia's article - Biological agent

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Biological agent