Terrorists Manipulation: How Viruses, Bacteria, Prions, Fungus and Drugs can be used as Weapons

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective. This study was conducted to determine if terrorists can manipulate the genetic genome of viruses, bacteria, prions, fungus, and drugs to be used as weapons. Background. Terrorist attacks can happen by biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear warfare. Over the years, scientists have been discovering methods to genetically modify the genomes of diseases to potentially look for a cure. If the research gets into terrorists possession, they can use this information to create new weapons and possibly generate more deadly attacks. Methods. For this study multiple viruses, prions, bacteria, fungus and drugs were selected that can infect the central nervous system or had effects that can be used to mind control the patient. For the chosen diseases, there is no cure and for the drugs, there are already deadly side effects.Results. Some diseases that were chosen can only infect animals and have not evolved to humans. Scientists have also not genetically modified every disease and drug that was selected. Specific diseases are common to certain regions and would cause an extreme concern if found in uncommon places. Most of the diseases are hard to obtain and some have unknown origins. Conclusion. Genetically modifying naturally occurring diseases and drugs, that already cause deadly consequences, can extremely impact a society and help terrorists create new weapons. Grants. This study was partially funded by a grant from the DO Student Body Research Fund.