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Question

In September 2001, which of the following was used as a bioweapon agent in America?

A
Botulinum toxin
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B
Bacillus anthracis
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C
Poliovirus
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D
HIV
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Solution

The correct option is B Bacillus anthracis
One of the major ethical issues associated with biotechnology is the use of genetically modified pathogens as weapons in the act of war or terrorism.
Bacillus anthracis is a Gram positive, rod shaped bacterium that causes a fatal disease in livestock and occasionally in humans.
The spores of Bacillus anthracis are often used as a bioweapon as these spores can cause fatal infection upon inhalation, skin contact, ingestion or injections. The spores are not readily detected when they are airborne. Upon inhalation, they affect the lungs and multiply in blood, gradually travelling to the lymph nodes and releasing toxins which lead to death.
In 2001, the US faced anthrax attacks for a week, beginning on September 18. The bioweapon was delivered in letters carrying anthrax spores and it resulted in the death of 5 people while infecting 17 others.
No incidents of bioterrorism attacks using botulinum toxin, HIV or poliovirus have been documented so far.

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