Science and the Fight Against Bioterrorism

For awhile, new cases of anthrax exposure and infection were being reported almost daily. The public health system has since been striving to respond to the unprecedented challenges it now faces. At this critical juncture, the public looks to the nation’s scientists for answers. Although we must heed this call to action, it is important to recognize the crucial role that researchers have already played and will continue to play in efforts to respond to and prevent future terrorist attacks. The scientific community—from academic researchers studying the basic principles of viral entry and antibiotic action to the pharmaceutical sector where vaccine production and development is being increased—has already contributed significantly to the nation’s capacity to respond to terrorism. The preparedness of the public health system and the effectiveness of health care professionals depend heavily on the knowledge, expertise, and technological and medical advances developed within the scientific community. In any public health crisis, the immediate concern is the protection and treatment of individuals. Understanding the basic structure and functioning of microorganisms, such as Bacillus anthracis, can help elucidate new leads for possible drug development. Recent research has revealed insights into how anthrax toxin enters and disrupts normal cellular functioning. The putative structure of the anthrax toxin receptor has also been determined. Potential treatments based on this work could include the use of soluble receptors to compete with the binding of the anthrax toxin and the development of compounds that block the anthrax toxin from disrupting normal immune cell function. Bacteria are not the only biological agents that can be used as weapons. Viruses, fungi, and biological toxins may pose threats as well. New antitoxins and vaccines are being developed; drugs now available are being assessed as possible treatments in response to bioterrorist attacks. In recent weeks, the approval of antibiotics besides ciprofloxicin to treat anthrax infection has helped allay public fear about drug availability and cost. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors will be crucial in the continued discovery, development, and availability of these treatments. The detective work of determining the origin of bioterrorist agents also relies on scientific expertise. Scientists are using genetic techniques to analyze sequence variations in the bacterial DNA and regions of the bacterial genome containing sequence repeats in order to determine the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria. This allows identification of the bacterial strain: once a strain is identified, it may be possible to identify its original source. Research aimed at understanding the processes used to ‘weaponize’ biological agents can provide insight into the origin of specific strains and can help determine the most effective methods for protection against harmful microorganisms. In the case of anthrax, for example, the dispersal rate of the bacterium can be enhanced by decreasing spore size and using chemical processes to neutralize electrostatic charges. Identifying the specific processes used to modify a strain may help locate the laboratory of origin of the bacteria. Scientific knowledge is being used to remediate the damage from terrorist acts. Radiation techniques ensure the safety of the mail and eliminate the threat of anthrax contamination. New techniques are needed to handle large volumes of mail and prevent damage to sensitive materials, and they will undoubtedly draw from the research conducted by scientists working on other questions. In the aftermath of a terrorist attack, science also plays a role. DNA fingerprinting has been used for many years in forensics. This technology may be one of the most powerful tools now available to the government for antiterrorism efforts and tracking of potential terrorists. This same technology, as well as analysis of other medical identifiers such as dental records, can be used to identify the victims of terrorist attacks. The response of the scientific community to terrorism demonstrates that our previous investment in research is paying off, but much more remains to be done. We need better and faster ways to identify threats. We need biosensors that can detect the presence of pathogens unobtrusively. We need improved diagnostics that will enable us to respond rapidly to biological threats and protect the public. As the nation looks to us for answers, it is necessary that the scientific community remain vigilant and proactive. Although new directions in research will need to be followed, the commitment of biomedical researchers remains the same: to advance knowledge and improve the quality of life. Our nation’s broad investment in science is already paying dividends as scientists join the effort to protect our citizens against new and uncertain threats.