SAB NewsSAB Support Developing Diagnostics to Fight BioterrorismIn addition to meeting the continuing threat of new and reemerging infectious diseases, public health officials must also prepare for the possible use of infectious agents as weapons by terrorists to further personal or political agendas. As part of this effort, The Science Advisory Board (SAB) polled its visitors about the best scientific investment for fighting bioterrorism. Over 1,900 SAB visitors participated in this assessment. Of these, 45% believe that allocating resources to developing rapid and sensitive diagnostics should be the highest priority. Generating prophylactic vaccines received support from 32% of respondents. New therapies received the least amount of support -- 15%. A small percentage (8%) selected the "other" category. The potential spectrum of bioterrorism ranges from hoaxes and use of limited casualty agents by individuals and small groups to state-sponsored terrorism that employs classic biological warfare agents, which can produce mass casualties. The agents of anthrax, plague, brucellosis, smallpox, viral encephalitis, and viral hemorrhagic fevers are of particular concern. They are relatively easy and inexpensive to produce, cause death or disabling disease and can be aerosolized and distributed over large geographic areas. If released under ideal environmental circumstances, these agents can infect hundreds of thousands of persons with a very high mortality rate. Maintaining effective disease surveillance is an essential first step in preparing to respond to such threats. Ensuring adequate epidemiologic and laboratory capacity nationwide are prerequisites to effective surveillance systems. Preparations also must include plans for rapid identification and characterization of agents involved and for emergency distribution of large quantities of medical supplies, especially antibiotics and vaccines. Coordination and communication links also need to be strengthened to minimize response time, especially initially -- when exposed but asymptomatic persons may still be treated prophylactically. Education and training in bioterrorism and its potential consequences must become national priorities. |
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