Plan
Introduction
Basic concepts of bacteriological (biological) weapons
Ways to use bacteriological agents
Types and properties of the main bacteriological agents
Criteria for assessing the likelihood of using bioagents
The main signs of bacteriological damage
Rules of behavior and actions of the population in the focus of bacteriological damage
Prevention of bacteriological lesions
Conclusion
Bibliography
Introduction
Leading epidemiologists believe that the tremendous advances in molecular biology make it possible to create dangerous biological agents by genetic engineering. The prospect of the emergence of such pathogens means that the safety of a given country is now directly related to the level of development of its biological science.
But why have the authorities of many states still not abandoned the development biological agents attacks, if it is known that the bacteriological (biological) weapon is equally dangerous for the initiator of its use?
The answer is quite obvious: having an effective medicine, you can not worry about the opposite effect of the method used. Moreover, in the era of the 21st century, there are already some types of weapons programmed for self-destruction after the successful completion of their insidious task.
In this paper, we will consider the main issues related to the problem of bacteriological (biological) weapons.
Basic concepts of bacteriological (biological) weapons
Bacteriological (biological) weapons are a means of mass destruction of people, animals, destruction of agricultural crops and military equipment of the enemy. The basis of its damaging effect is bacteriological agents, which include pathogens (bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, fungi) and toxins produced by bacteria.
Bacteriological (biological) weapons are special ammunition and combat devices with delivery vehicles equipped with bacteriological agents.
As bacteriological agents can be used:
to hurt people:
pathogens of bacteriological diseases (plague, tularemia, brucellosis, anthrax, cholera); causative agents of viral diseases (natural smallpox, yellow fever, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis);
causative agents of rickettsiosis (typhus, spotted fever of the Rocky Mountains, Q fever); pathogens of fungal diseases (coccidioidomycosis, pocardiosis, histoplasmosis);
2) for the defeat of animals:
pathogens of foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, swine fever, anthrax, glanders, African swine fever, false rabies and other diseases;
3) for the destruction of plants:
causative agents of rust of cereals, late blight of potatoes, late wilt of corn and other crops; insect pests of agricultural plants; phytotoxicants, defoliants, herbicides and other chemicals.
Ways to use bacteriological agents
The methods of using bacteriological (biological) weapons, as a rule, are:
aircraft bombs
Artillery mines and shells
Packages (bags, boxes, containers) dropped from aircraft
Special devices that disperse insects from aircraft
diversionary methods.
The main method of using bacteriological agents is considered to be contamination of the surface layer of air. When ammunition filled with a bacteriological formulation bursts, a bacteriological cloud is formed, consisting of tiny droplets of liquid or solid particles suspended in the air. The cloud, spreading along the wind, dissipates and settles on the ground, forming an infected area, the area of which depends on the amount of the formulation, its properties and wind speed.
In some cases, for distribution infectious diseases the enemy can leave contaminated household items during the withdrawal: clothes, food, cigarettes, etc. The disease in this case can occur as a result of direct contact with contaminated objects.
It is also possible that such a form of spread of pathogens as the deliberate abandonment of infectious patients during the departure so that they become a source of infection among the troops and the population.
Types and properties of the main bacteriological agents
pathogenic microorganisms are the causative agents of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Depending on the size of the structure and biological properties, they are divided into the following classes:
1) bacteria
3) rickettsia
4) spirochete fungi and protozoa
The last two classes of microorganisms as biological means of destruction, according to specialists in the field of biological weapons, do not matter.
1) bacteria- single-celled microorganisms of plant nature, very diverse in their form. The main forms of bacteria: staphylococci, diplococci, streptococci, rod-shaped, vibrio, spirilla.
Their sizes vary from 0.5 to 8-10 microns. Bacteria in vegetative form, i.e. in the form of growth and development, are very sensitive to the effects of high temperature, sunlight, sharp fluctuations in humidity and disinfectants, and, conversely, retain sufficient stability at low temperatures even down to minus 15-25 o C. Some types of bacteria to survive in adverse conditions able to be covered with a protective capsule or form a spore. Microbes in spore form are highly resistant to desiccation, nutrient deficiencies, high and low temperatures, and disinfectants. Of the pathogenic bacteria, the causative agents of anthrax, botulism, tetanus, etc. have the ability to form spores. According to the literature, almost all types of bacteria used as means of destruction are relatively easy to grow on artificial nutrient media, and their mass production is possible with the help of equipment and processes used by industry in the production of antibiotics, vitamins and modern fermentation products. The class of bacteria includes the causative agents of most of the most dangerous human diseases, such as plague, cholera, anthrax, glanders, meliodiosis, etc.
4) Fungi- unicellular or multicellular microorganisms of plant origin. Their sizes vary from 3 to 50 microns and more. Fungi can form spores that are highly resistant to freezing, drying, sunlight and disinfectants. Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are called mycoses. Among them are such severe infectious diseases of people as coccidioidomycosis, blaotomycosis, histoplasmosis, etc.
Bacteriological agents include pathogenic microbes and the toxins they produce. The agents of the following diseases can be used to equip bacteriological (biological) weapons:
3) anthrax
4) botulism
5) meliodiosis
1) Plague- acute infectious disease. The causative agent is a microbe that is not highly resistant outside the body; in human sputum, it remains viable for up to 10 days. The incubation period is 1 - 3 days. The disease begins acutely: there is a general weakness, chills, headache, the temperature rises rapidly, consciousness is darkened. The most dangerous is the so-called pneumonic form of plague. It can be contracted by inhaling air containing the plague pathogen. Signs of the disease: along with a severe general condition, chest pain and cough appear with the release of a large amount of sputum with plague bacteria; the patient's strength quickly falls, loss of consciousness occurs; death occurs as a result of increasing cardiovascular weakness. The disease lasts from 2 to 4 days.
2) Cholera- an acute infectious disease characterized by a severe course and a tendency to spread rapidly. The causative agent of cholera - vibrio cholerae - is not resistant to the external environment, it remains in water for several months. The incubation period for cholera lasts from several hours to 6 days, on average 1 to 3 days. The main signs of cholera damage: vomiting, diarrhea; convulsions; vomit and feces of a cholera patient take the form of rice water. With liquid stools and vomiting, the patient loses a large amount of fluid, quickly loses weight, his body temperature drops to 35 degrees. In severe cases, the disease can end in death.
3) Anthrax- an acute infectious disease that affects mainly farm animals, and from them can be transmitted to humans. The causative agent of anthrax enters the body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, damaged skin. The disease comes in 1 - 3 days; it proceeds in three forms: pulmonary, intestinal and skin. The pulmonary form of anthrax is a kind of inflammation of the lungs: the body temperature rises sharply, a cough appears with the release of bloody sputum, cardiac activity weakens and, if left untreated, death occurs in 2-3 days. The intestinal form of the disease manifests itself in ulcerative lesions of the intestine, acute pain in the abdomen, bloody vomiting, diarrhea; death occurs in 3-4 days. In the cutaneous form of anthrax, most often exposed areas of the body (arms, legs, neck, face) are affected. An itchy spot appears at the site of contact with the microbes of the pathogen, which after 12-15 hours turns into a bubble with a cloudy or bloody liquid. The vesicle soon bursts, forming a black eschar, around which new vesicles appear, increasing the size of the eschar to 6 to 9 centimeters in diameter (carbuncle). The carbuncle is painful, massive edema forms around it. When a carbuncle breaks through, blood poisoning and death are possible. With a favorable course of the disease, after 5-6 days, the patient's temperature decreases, the painful phenomena gradually disappear.
4) Botulism – infection, caused by botulinum toxin, which is one of the most powerful poisons currently known. Infection can occur through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, damaged skin and mucous membranes. The incubation period is from 2 hours to a day. Botulinum toxin attacks the central nervous system, vagus nerve and nervous apparatus of the heart; the disease is characterized by neuro-paralytic phenomena. Initially, general weakness, dizziness, pressure in the epigastric region, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract appear; then paralytic phenomena develop: paralysis of the main muscles, muscles of the tongue, soft palate, larynx, facial muscles; in the future, paralysis of the muscles of the stomach and intestines is observed, as a result of which flatulence and persistent constipation are observed. The patient's body temperature is usually below normal. In severe cases, death may occur within hours of the onset of the disease as a result of respiratory paralysis.
5) Meliodiosis - an infectious disease of humans and rodents, similar to glanders. The causative agent, for its similarity with glanders, is called a false glanders stick. The microbe is a thin stick, does not form spores, has mobility due to the presence of a bundle of flagella at one end, is resistant to drying, at a temperature of 26-28 degrees it remains viable in soil for up to a month, in water for more than 40 days. Sensitive to disinfectants and high temperatures - under their influence, it dies in a few minutes. Meliodiosis is a little-known disease found in Southeast Asia. Carriers are small rodents in which the disease occurs in a chronic form. The pus, feces and urine of sick animals contain many pathogens of meliodiosis. Infection of a Human occurs when eating food and water contaminated with secretions of sick rodents. As with glanders, the disease can enter the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, etc. With artificial distribution, i.e. if this disease is used as a component of a biological weapon, meliodiosis microbes can be dispersed in the air or used to contaminate food and food products. The possibility of infection with human meliodiosis by a person is not excluded, although such facts have not been noted. Patients are subject to isolation because of the similarity of symptoms of meliodiosis with other diseases. Manifestations of the disease in humans are diverse and can occur in 3 stages. the disease begins in a few days.
6) Sap - chronic illness equine, rarely feline camels and humans, caused by the glanders bacterium. Symptoms: specific nodules, and then ulcers in the respiratory organs and on the skin. Infection occurs through contact with sick animals. Sick animals are destroyed. On the territory of the Russian Federation, glanders have long been eliminated, but there is a danger that they can be used as a bacteriological (biological) weapon.
Criteria for assessing the likelihood of using bioagents
The main part of bioagents used as bacteriological (biological) weapons can be used in connection with the following parameters:
human sensitivity
infectious dose value
ways of infection
contagiousness (contagiousness)
sustainability in the environment
the severity of the lesion
possibility of cultivation
availability of means of prevention, treatment, diagnosis
the possibility of covert use
possibility of genetic modification
According to a set of criteria, the main bioagents pathogenic for humans (bacteria, viruses, toxins) were analyzed, and the results of the analysis made it possible to assign a rating to each bioagent, i.e. the sum of points characterizing the degree of probability of being used as a bacteriological (biological) weapon. In accordance with the rating, bioagents were divided into 3 groups (see table): bioagents with a high probability of their use as a bacteriological (biological) weapon (I-group); bioagents that can be used as a bacteriological (biological) weapon (group 2), and bioagents that can hardly be used as a bacteriological (biological) weapon (group 3).
Distribution table of bioagents according to the probability of being used as a bacteriological (biological) weapon:
Therefore, the main attention should be paid to the bioagents of the first and partially the second group. In the first group, pathogens of contagious infections, primarily smallpox and plague, are of particular danger, which can cause global epidemics (pandemics) with numerous victims, paralyze the activities of the country and entire continents due to the need to introduce strict quarantine.
The most threatened for use in sabotage purposes is the variola virus. As is known, the collection of variola virus, on the recommendation of WHO, is securely stored in the United States and in Russia. However, there is evidence that the virus is uncontrollably stored (not destroyed) in some countries and can spontaneously (or maybe intentionally) go beyond the laboratories.
In connection with the abolition of vaccination in 1980, the world's population lost immunity to smallpox. The production of vaccines and diagnostic preparations in the required quantities was stopped, there are practically no effective treatments, the lethality of the unvaccinated is 30%. Smallpox is easily transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one, and a long incubation period (up to 17 days) contributes to the spontaneous spread of infection over large regions due to modern fast and numerous means of communication.
The main signs of bacteriological damage
The use of bacteriological (biological) weapons by the enemy can be detected by the following visible external signs:
External signs of the use of bacteriological (biological) weapons include:
less sharp, uncharacteristic of conventional ammunition, the sounds of explosions of aerial bombs, rockets, shells and mines, accompanied by the formation of a cloud, fog or smoke near the surface of the soil;
the appearance of a rapidly disappearing streak of fog or smoke behind an enemy aircraft or along the path of balloons;
the presence of drops of turbid liquid or deposits of powdery substances, as well as splinters and individual parts of ammunition in places of ammunition ruptures on the soil and surrounding objects;
the appearance on the ground of the remains of unusual bombs, rockets and shells with piston and other devices for creating aerosols;
the presence of unusual for the area clusters of insects, ticks and rodent corpses near the site of the fall of bombs or containers.
Infection of people and animals occurs as a result of inhalation of contaminated air, contact with microbes or toxins on the mucous membrane and damaged skin, ingestion of contaminated food and water, bites of infected insects and ticks, contact with contaminated objects, injury by fragments of ammunition equipped with biological agents, as well as as a result of direct communication with sick people (animals). A number of diseases are quickly transmitted from sick people to healthy people and cause epidemics (plague, cholera, typhoid, influenza, etc.).
The main sign of the use of biological weapons are the symptoms and signs of a mass disease of people and animals, which is finally confirmed by special laboratory studies.
Common signs of many infectious diseases in humans are high body temperature and significant weakness, as well as their rapid spread, which leads to the occurrence of focal diseases and poisoning.
An essential feature of bacteriological (biological) weapons is the presence of a latent period of action, during which the affected remain in the ranks and perform their duties, and then suddenly fall ill. When affected by bacteriological agents, the disease does not occur immediately, there is almost always a latent (incubation) period during which the disease does not manifest itself outward signs, and the affected person does not lose combat capability.
The latent period can be different, for example, when infected with plague and cholera, it can last from several hours to 3 days, tularemia - up to 6 days, typhus - up to 14 days.
Pathogenic microbes cannot be detected by the human senses. This is possible only with the help of technical means of non-specific bacteriological reconnaissance.
Rules of behavior and actions of the population in the focus of bacteriological damage
The focus of bacteriological damage- these are cities and other settlements, objects of the national economy and territories contaminated with bacteriological agents and being a source of the spread of infectious diseases. The enemy can create such a hotbed using numerous pathogens of various infectious diseases.
The timeliness and effectiveness of taking measures to protect against bacteriological agents, which form the basis of the damaging effect of a bacteriological (biological) weapon, will be largely determined by how well the signs of an enemy bacteriological attack are studied. With some observation, one can notice: in the places of ruptures of bacteriological ammunition, the presence
drops of liquid or powdery substances on the soil, vegetation and various objects or when the ammunition bursts - the formation of a light cloud of smoke (fog); the appearance of a dark stripe behind a flying aircraft, which gradually settles and dissipates; accumulation of insects and rodents, the most dangerous carriers of bacteriological agents, unusual for a given area and a given season; the emergence of mass diseases among people and farm animals, as well as the mass death of animals.
Having found at least one of the signs of the use of bacteriological (biological) weapons by the enemy, it is necessary to immediately put on a gas mask (respirator, anti-dust fabric mask or cotton-gauze bandage), if possible, skin protection and report this to the nearest civil defense (civil defense) control body. or medical facility. Then, depending on the situation, you can take cover in a protective structure (shelter, anti-radiation or simple shelter). Timely and correct use personal protective equipment and protective structures will protect against the ingress of bacteriological agents into the respiratory system, on the skin and clothing.
Successful defense against bacteriological (biological) weapons also largely depends on the degree of immunity of the population to infectious diseases and exposure to toxins. Immunity can be achieved first of all general strengthening the body through systematic hardening and physical education and sports; even in peacetime, the holding of these events should be the rule for the entire population. Immunity is also achieved by carrying out specific prophylaxis, which is usually carried out in advance by inoculation, vaccination and sera. In addition, immediately with the threat of injury (or after injury) by bacteriological agents, antibacterial agent No. 1 from the AI-2 first aid kit should be used.
In order to ensure effective protection against bacteriological (biological) weapons, anti-epidemic and sanitary-hygienic measures are of great importance. It is necessary to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene and sanitary and hygienic requirements when providing food and water supply to the population. Cooking and eating should exclude the possibility of contamination with bacteriological agents; various types of utensils used in the preparation and consumption of food must be washed with disinfectant solutions or boiled.
The simultaneous emergence of a significant number of infectious diseases among people in the event that the enemy uses bacteriological (biological) weapons can have a strong psychological impact even on healthy people. The actions and behavior of each person in this case should be aimed at preventing possible panic.
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases when the enemy uses bacteriological (biological) weapons, by order of the chiefs of civil defense of districts and cities, and the tactics of objects of the national economy, quarantine and observation are applied.
Quarantine is introduced when it is indisputably established that the enemy has used bacteriological (biological) weapons, and mainly in cases where the pathogens used are particularly dangerous (plague, cholera, etc.). The quarantine regime provides for the complete isolation of the lesion from the surrounding population; it aims to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Armed guards are established at the outer borders of the quarantine zone, commandant service and patrols are organized, and traffic is regulated. AT settlements and at the facilities where quarantine is established, a local (internal) commandant's service is organized, protection of infectious isolators and hospitals, checkpoints, etc. is carried out.
From areas in which quarantine is declared, the exit of people, the withdrawal of animals and the export of property are prohibited. Entry into the contaminated territory is allowed by the chiefs of civil defense only to special formations and modes of transport. Transit passage of transport through the lesions is prohibited (the only exception can be railway transport).
The objects of the national economy that are in the quarantine zone and continue their production activities are switching to a special mode of operation with strict compliance with anti-epidemic requirements. Work shifts are divided into separate groups (possibly smaller in composition), contact between them is reduced to a minimum. Meals and rest for workers and employees are organized in groups in specially designated rooms. In the quarantine zone, the work of all educational institutions, entertainment establishments, markets and bazaars.
The population in the quarantine zone is divided into small groups (the so-called fractional quarantine); he is not allowed to leave his apartments or debts unless absolutely necessary. Food, water and basic necessities are delivered to such populations by special teams. If it is necessary to perform urgent work outside buildings, people must be sure to wear personal protective equipment.
Each citizen bears strict responsibility for compliance with regime measures in the quarantine zone; control over their observance is carried out by the public order service.
In the event that the established type of pathogen does not belong to the group of especially dangerous, the introduced quarantine is replaced by an observation, which provides for medical observation of the lesion and the necessary therapeutic and preventive measures. Isolation and restrictive measures during observation are less stringent than during quarantine.
In the focus of bacteriological damage, one of the priority measures is to conduct emergency preventive treatment of the population. Such treatment is organized by medical personnel attached to the facility, district medical workers, as well as personnel of medical units. For each sanitary friend, a part of the street, quarter, house or workshop is assigned, which are managed by sanitary troopers 2–3 times a day; medical preparations are issued to the population, workers and employees. For prevention, broad-spectrum antibiotics and other drugs that provide a preventive and therapeutic effect are used. The population with AI-2 first-aid kits carries out prophylaxis on their own, using drugs from the first-aid kit.
As soon as the type of pathogen is determined, specific emergency prophylaxis is carried out, which consists in the use of antibiotics, serums, etc., specific for this disease.
The emergence and spread of epidemics largely depend on how strictly emergency preventive treatment is carried out. In no case should you shy away from taking medicines that prevent diseases. It must be remembered that the timely use of antibiotics, serums and other drugs will not only reduce the number of victims, but will also help to quickly eliminate foci of infectious diseases.
Disinfection, disinfestation and deratization are organized in the quarantine and observation zones from the very beginning.
Disinfection aims to disinfect objects of the external environment that are necessary for normal activities and the safe presence of people. Disinfection, for example, of territory, structures, equipment, machinery and various items can be carried out using fire fighting, agricultural, construction and other equipment; small objects are decontaminated using manual equipment. For disinfection, solutions of bleach and chloramine, lysol, formalin, etc. are used. In the absence of these substances, hot water (with soap or soda) and steam can be used to disinfect premises, equipment, and equipment.
Disinsection and deratization are activities associated with the extermination of insects and the extermination of rodents, which are known to be carriers of infectious diseases, respectively. To destroy insects, physical (boiling, ironing with a hot iron, etc.), chemical (use of disinfectants) and combined methods; the extermination of rodents in most cases is carried out using mechanical devices (traps of various types) and chemicals. Among the disinfectants, DDT, hexachloran, chlorophos can be most widely used; among the drugs intended for the extermination of rodents are ratsid, scurvy phosphide, potassium sulfate.
After disinfection, disinfestation and deratization, a complete sanitization of persons who took part in the implementation of these activities is carried out. If necessary, sanitary treatment of the rest of the population is organized.
Simultaneously with the considered measures in the quarantine (observation) zone, sick people and even those who are suspicious of the disease are identified. Signs of the disease are fever, feeling unwell, headaches, rashes, etc. Sanitary workers and medical workers find out these data through responsible tenants and owners of houses and immediately report to the commander of the formation or to a medical institution to take measures to isolate and treat patients .
After the patient is sent to a special infectious diseases hospital, the apartment where he lived is disinfected; things and clothes of the patient are also disinfected. All those who have been in contact with the patient are sanitized and isolated (at home or in special rooms).
If it is not possible to hospitalize an infectious patient, he is isolated at home, one of the family members takes care of him. The patient should use separate utensils, towels, soap, bedpan and urinal. In the morning and in the evening at the same time, his temperature is measured, the thermometer readings are recorded on a special temperature sheet indicating the date and time of measurement. Before each meal, the patient is helped to wash his hands and rinse his mouth and throat, and in the morning and before bedtime - to wash and brush his teeth.
Seriously ill people need to wipe their face with a damp towel or napkin; eyes and mouth are wiped with swabs moistened with 1-2% solution of boric acid or baking soda. Towels and napkins used to treat the patient are disinfected, paper napkins and tampons are burned. To avoid bedsores, it is necessary to correct the patient's bed and help him change position, and if necessary, apply lining circles.
At least twice a day, the room in which the patient is located should be ventilated and wet cleaned using disinfectant solutions.
The caregiver should use a cotton-gauze bandage, gown (or appropriate clothing), gloves, emergency and specific prophylaxis; he must carefully monitor the cleanliness of hands (nails should be cut short) and clothes. After each contact with secretions, linen, dishes and other objects of the patient, it is necessary to wash hands and disinfect them with a 3% solution of Lysol or 1% solution of chloramine. You should also have a towel with you, one end of which should be wetted with a disinfectant solution.
Prevention of bacteriological lesions
Bacteriological reconnaissance is organized for the purpose of timely revealing the enemy's preparations for the use of bacteriological (biological) weapons, establishing the fact of their use, determining the type of agents, as well as the extent of contamination of the terrain and air in the troop action zones.
The medical service instructs chemical observation posts and reconnaissance patrols on the rules for sampling for the indication of bacteriological (biological) weapons, as well as the performance of complex tasks of bacteriological reconnaissance of bacteriological contamination centers in the zone of action of troops and the specific indication of bacteriological (biological) weapons.
The main activities of bacteriological reconnaissance are:
extraction and receipt of intelligence data on the preparation of the enemy for the use of bacteriological (biological) weapons;
constant monitoring of the air and terrain to detect external (direct and indirect) signs indicating the possibility of the enemy using bacteriological (biological) weapons;
indication of bacteriological (biological) weapons, aimed at detecting characteristic factors indicating the use of these agents, as well as determining the type of bacteriological formulations used;
timely detection and examination of each case of infectious diseases that have appeared among the troops, the population, as well as among farm animals;
establishing the extent of bacteriological contamination, as well as identifying local agents that can be used for antibacterial protection.
continuous collection of intelligence data on the preparation of the enemy for the use of bacteriological (biological) weapons is ensured by the efforts of the combined arms headquarters.
constant monitoring of the air, terrain and water area is carried out by all subdivisions of the troops.
Conclusion
On the present stage historical development, the use of means as effective and at the same time monstrous in their consequences as bacteriological (biological) weapons is prohibited in connection with the conclusion of international military treaties. Civilized countries, for reasons of humanity, have refused to use such a terrible type of weapon of mass destruction during hostilities. However, according to numerous reports, active research in the field of bacteriological means of attack is still being carried out in the laboratories of some states, which casts doubt on the effectiveness of previously concluded international agreements.
Under these conditions, every patriot of his Fatherland, anyone who is not indifferent to his own safety, the peace of his family and friends must have an idea of a potential threat, as well as have the necessary knowledge to prevent and eliminate it.
Bibliography
1. Atamanyuk V.G. Civil Defense: A Textbook for High Schools. - M .: Higher. school, 1986. 2. Arkhangelsky A.M. Bacteriological weapons and protection against them. - M. 1971.
3. U. Tan Chemical and bacteriological (biological) weapons and the consequences of their possible use. - M, 1970.
bacteriological weapon
Yu.G.Afanasiev, A.G.Ovcharenko, S.L.Rasko, L.I.Trutneva
Bacteriological weapons are pathogenic microbes and bacterial poisons (toxins) intended to infect people, animals, plants and contaminate food supplies and water sources, as well as the ammunition with which they are used.
When affected by bacterial agents, the disease does not occur immediately, there is almost always a latent (incubation) period during which the disease does not manifest itself by external signs, and the affected person does not lose combat capability.
It is quite difficult to establish the fact of the use of bacterial agents and determine the type of pathogen, since neither microbes nor toxins have any color, smell or taste, and the effect of their action can appear after a long period of time.
Detection of bacterial agents is possible only through special laboratory research, which takes a lot of time, and this makes it difficult to take timely measures to prevent epidemic diseases.
1 Types of pathogenic microbes
Depending on the structure and biological properties, microbes are divided into bacteria, viruses, rickettsia and fungi.
Bacteria are microorganisms of plant origin, mostly unicellular, visible only with a microscope. Under favorable conditions, they multiply very quickly by simple division every 20-30 minutes. When exposed to sunlight, disinfectants and boiling, bacteria quickly die, but some of them (anthrax, tetanus, botulism), turning into spores, are highly resistant to these factors. Once in conditions favorable for development, spores germinate and turn into a vegetative (active) form of bacteria. To low temperatures bacteria are not very sensitive and easily tolerate freezing.
Bacteria cause diseases such as plague, cholera, glanders, anthrax, etc.
Viruses are the smallest organisms, thousands of times smaller than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, viruses reproduce only in living tissues. Many of them withstand drying and temperatures above 100°C. Viruses can cause diseases such as smallpox, influenza, etc.
Rickettsia are close in size and shape to some bacteria, but they develop and live only in the tissues of the organs affected by them. They cause typhus.
Fungi, like bacteria, are of plant origin, but are more perfect in structure. The resistance of fungi to the effects of physicochemical factors is much higher than that of bacteria; they tolerate exposure to sunlight and drying well.
Some microbes, for example, microbes of botulism, tetanus, diphtheria, produce highly effective poisons - toxins that cause severe poisoning.
There are microbes that can cause disease in animals. Among such dangerous infectious diseases are foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, swine fever, sheep pox, glanders, anthrax, etc.
The causative agents of some plant diseases are also dangerous, for example, pathogens of stem rust of cereal crops, late blight of potatoes, rice blast, etc.
2 Methods of using bacteriological weapons
As a rule, methods of using bacteriological weapons are:
aviation bombs;
artillery mines and shells;
packages (bags, boxes, containers) dropped from aircraft;
special devices that disperse insects from aircraft;
sabotage methods.
In some cases, in order to spread infectious diseases, the enemy may leave contaminated household items during the withdrawal: clothing, food, cigarettes, etc. The disease in this case can occur as a result of direct contact with contaminated objects.
Another possible form of spread of pathogens is the deliberate abandonment of infectious patients during the departure so that they become a source of infection among the troops and the population.
When ammunition filled with a bacterial formula bursts, a bacterial cloud is formed, consisting of tiny droplets of liquid or solid particles suspended in the air. The cloud, spreading along the wind, dissipates and settles on the ground, forming an infected area, the area of which depends on the amount of the formulation, its properties and wind speed.
3 Infectious diseases
The causative agents of the following diseases can be used to equip bacteriological weapons: plague, cholera, anthrax, botulism, smallpox, tularemia.
Plague is an acute infectious disease. The causative agent is a microbe that is not highly resistant outside the body; in human sputum, it remains viable for up to 10 days. The incubation period is from 1 to 3 days. The disease begins acutely: there is a general weakness, chills, headache, the temperature rises rapidly, consciousness is darkened.
The most dangerous is the so-called pneumonic form of plague. It can be contracted by inhaling air containing the plague pathogen. Signs of the disease: along with a severe general condition, chest pain and cough appear with the release of a large amount of sputum with plague bacteria; the patient's strength quickly falls, loss of consciousness occurs; death occurs as a result of increasing cardiovascular weakness. The disease lasts from 2 to 4 days.
Cholera is an acute infectious disease characterized by a severe course and a tendency to spread rapidly. The causative agent of cholera, vibrio cholerae, is not resistant to external environment stored in water for several months. The incubation period for cholera lasts from several hours to 6 days, on average 1-3 days.
The main signs of cholera damage: vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions; vomit and feces of a cholera patient take the form of rice water. With liquid stools and vomiting, the patient loses a large amount of fluid, quickly loses weight, his body temperature drops to 35 degrees. In severe cases, the disease can result in death.
Anthrax is an acute disease that mainly affects farm animals and can be transmitted from them to humans. The causative agent of anthrax enters the body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, damaged skin. The disease occurs in 1-3 days; it proceeds in three forms: pulmonary, intestinal and skin.
The pulmonary form of anthrax is a kind of inflammation of the lungs: the body temperature rises sharply, a cough appears with the release of bloody sputum, cardiac activity weakens and, if left untreated, death occurs in 2-3 days.
The intestinal form of the disease manifests itself in ulcerative lesions of the intestine, acute pain in the abdomen, bloody vomiting, diarrhea; death occurs in 3-4 days.
In the cutaneous form of anthrax, most often exposed areas of the body (arms, legs, neck, face) are affected. An itchy spot appears at the site of contact with the microbes of the pathogen, which after 12-15 hours turns into a vial with a cloudy or bloody liquid. The vesicle soon bursts, forming a black eschar, around which new vesicles appear, increasing the size of the eschar to 6-9 centimeters in diameter (carbuncle). The carbuncle is painful, massive edema forms around it. With a breakthrough of the carbuncle, blood poisoning and death are possible. With a favorable course of the disease, after 5-6 days, the patient's temperature decreases, the painful phenomena gradually disappear.
Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin, which is one of the most powerful poisons currently known.
Infection can occur through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, damaged skin and mucous membranes. The incubation period is from 2 hours to a day.
Botulinum toxin affects the central nervous system, the vagus nerve and the nervous apparatus of the heart; the disease is characterized by neuroparalytic phenomena. Initially, general weakness, dizziness, pressure in the epigastric region, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract appear; then paralytic phenomena develop: paralysis of the main muscles, muscles of the tongue, soft palate, larynx, facial muscles; in the future, paralysis of the muscles of the stomach and intestines is observed, as a result of which flatulence and persistent constipation are observed. The patient's body temperature is usually below normal. In severe cases, death can occur several hours after the onset of the disease as a result of respiratory paralysis.
Tularemia is an infectious disease. The causative agent of tularemia persists for a long time in water, soil, and dust. Infection occurs through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, mucous membranes and skin. The disease begins with a sharp increase in temperature and the appearance of headache and muscle pain. It occurs in three forms: pulmonary, intestinal and typhoid.
Smallpox is caused by a virus. This disease is characterized by fever and a scarring rash. It is transmitted through the air and objects.
4 The focus of bacteriological damage
The focus of bacteriological contamination is the territory that has been directly exposed to bacterial agents that create a source for the spread of infectious diseases and poisoning that cause damage to people.
The focus of bacteriological infection is characterized by the type of bacteriological agents used, the number of affected people, animals, plants, and the duration of the preservation of the damaging properties of pathogens.
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, to localize and eliminate zones and foci of bacteriological damage, quarantine and observation are established.
Quarantine is a system of measures taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases from the focus of infection and to eliminate the focus itself. Guards are established around the hearth, entry and exit, as well as the export of property, are prohibited.
In the territory where quarantine has been introduced, the work of all enterprises and institutions is stopped, except for those that are of particular importance for the economy or for defense. The work of educational institutions, schools, children's institutions, markets, etc.
Observation - these are special measures that prevent the spread of infection to other areas. These measures include: maximum restriction of entry and exit, as well as the removal of property from the outbreak without prior disinfection and permission from epidemiologists; strengthening medical control over food and water supply and other measures.
weapons. 3. The main features of the biological ... .ru/ Contents Introduction 1. The concept of bacteriological(biological) weapons 2.Kinds and the main properties of BS 2.1 Plague 2.2 Cholera ...Weapon mass destruction
Abstract >> ChemistryTerritories. Action efficiency bacteriological weapons depends on the choice of methods his applications. There are the following... phenomena. Radiological weapon Radiological weapon- one of the possible species weapons mass destruction. His action based...
Bacteriological, chemical, nuclear weapon. Impact weapons mass destruction
Abstract >> Life safety... types WMD include chemical, biological ( bacteriological) and nuclear weapon. 1. Impact of nuclear weapons mass destruction nuclear weapon... the danger that his can be used as bacteriological weapons. 3.4 Main features...
Bacteriological weapon
Law >> Military department... weapons(Biological Weapons Convention) of 1972 banned his... show interest in it mind weapons. From the beginning of the eighties... other methods of application bacteriological weapons Ways of application bacteriological weapons are usually...
As a rule, methods of using bacteriological weapons are:
aviation bombs;
artillery mines and shells;
packages (bags, boxes, containers) dropped from aircraft;
special devices that disperse insects from aircraft;
sabotage methods.
In some cases, in order to spread infectious diseases, the enemy may leave contaminated household items during the withdrawal: clothing, food, cigarettes, etc. The disease in this case can occur as a result of direct contact with contaminated objects.
Another possible form of spread of pathogens is the deliberate abandonment of infectious patients during the departure so that they become a source of infection among the troops and the population.
When ammunition filled with a bacterial formula bursts, a bacterial cloud is formed, consisting of tiny droplets of liquid or solid particles suspended in the air. The cloud, spreading along the wind, dissipates and settles on the ground, forming an infected area, the area of which depends on the amount of the formulation, its properties and wind speed.
5.3.3 Infectious diseases
< p>The causative agents of the following diseases can be used to equip bacteriological weapons: plague, cholera, anthrax, botulism, smallpox, tularemia.
Plague is an acute infectious disease. The causative agent is a microbe that is not highly resistant outside the body; in human sputum, it remains viable for up to 10 days. The incubation period is from 1 to 3 days. The disease begins acutely: there is a general weakness, chills, headache, the temperature rises rapidly, consciousness is darkened.
The most dangerous is the so-called pneumonic form of plague. It can be contracted by inhaling air containing the plague pathogen. Signs of the disease: along with a severe general condition, chest pain and cough appear with the release of a large amount of sputum with plague bacteria; the patient's strength quickly falls, loss of consciousness occurs; death occurs as a result of increasing cardiovascular weakness. The disease lasts from 2 to 4 days.
Cholera is an acute infectious disease characterized by a severe course and a tendency to spread rapidly. The causative agent of cholera - vibrio cholerae - is not resistant to the external environment, it remains in water for several months. The incubation period for cholera lasts from several hours to 6 days, on average 1-3 days.
The main signs of cholera damage: vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions; vomit and feces of a cholera patient take the form of rice water. With liquid stools and vomiting, the patient loses a large amount of fluid, quickly loses weight, his body temperature drops to 35 degrees. In severe cases, the disease can result in death.
Anthrax is an acute disease that mainly affects farm animals and can be transmitted from them to humans. The causative agent of anthrax enters the body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, damaged skin. The disease occurs in 1-3 days; it proceeds in three forms: pulmonary, intestinal and skin.
The pulmonary form of anthrax is a kind of inflammation of the lungs: the body temperature rises sharply, a cough appears with the release of bloody sputum, cardiac activity weakens and, if left untreated, death occurs in 2-3 days.
The intestinal form of the disease manifests itself in ulcerative lesions of the intestine, acute pain in the abdomen, bloody vomiting, diarrhea; death occurs in 3-4 days.
In the cutaneous form of anthrax, most often exposed areas of the body (arms, legs, neck, face) are affected. An itchy spot appears at the site of contact with the microbes of the pathogen, which after 12-15 hours turns into a vial with a cloudy or bloody liquid. The vesicle soon bursts, forming a black eschar, around which new vesicles appear, increasing the size of the eschar to 6-9 centimeters in diameter (carbuncle). The carbuncle is painful, massive edema forms around it. With a breakthrough of the carbuncle, blood poisoning and death are possible. With a favorable course of the disease, after 5-6 days, the patient's temperature decreases, the painful phenomena gradually disappear.
Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin, which is one of the most powerful poisons currently known.
Infection can occur through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, damaged skin and mucous membranes. The incubation period is from 2 hours to a day.
Botulinum toxin affects the central nervous system, the vagus nerve and the nervous apparatus of the heart; the disease is characterized by neuroparalytic phenomena. Initially, general weakness, dizziness, pressure in the epigastric region, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract appear; then paralytic phenomena develop: paralysis of the main muscles, muscles of the tongue, soft palate, larynx, facial muscles; in the future, paralysis of the muscles of the stomach and intestines is observed, as a result of which flatulence and persistent constipation are observed. The patient's body temperature is usually below normal. In severe cases, death can occur several hours after the onset of the disease as a result of respiratory paralysis.
Tularemia is an infectious disease. The causative agent of tularemia persists for a long time in water, soil, and dust. Infection occurs through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, mucous membranes and skin. The disease begins with a sharp increase in temperature and the appearance of headache and muscle pain. It occurs in three forms: pulmonary, intestinal and typhoid.
Smallpox is caused by a virus. This disease is characterized by fever and a scarring rash. It is transmitted through the air and objects.
Biological (bacteriological) weapons are understood as a means of mass destruction of all living things: people, animals and plants. Its action is based on various options for using the pathogenic properties of microorganisms, such as bacteria, rickettsia, fungi, as well as toxins produced by some bacteria. Biological weapons include various formulations of pathogens, as well as means of delivering them to the target - these can be rockets, aerosol dispensers, aerial bombs, which we spoke about earlier, etc. In connection with this definition, several more should be given. important definitions which are directly related to biological weapons.
A biological formulation is a specific multicomponent system that contains pathogenic microorganisms or, more simply, toxins, fillers and additives that increase their stability during their various uses: storage, application and being in an aerosol state, as in cans for example. Also, formulations can be, depending on the agricultural condition, liquid and dry.
Biological agents are a generalized concept of biological formulations, as well as infectious vectors. By effect, they are divided into lethal: based on the pathogens of plague, smallpox and anthrax, and incapacitating, for example, based on the pathogens of brucellosis, cholera.
Delivery vehicles are combat vehicles that ensure the delivery of technical means to the intended target (object of destruction). These include: aviation, ballistic cruise missiles, sabotage groups that deliver special containers with radio command or timer opening systems to the area of application.
Thus, bacteriological weapons have a high combat activity, which affects large areas with little effort and resources. But at the same time, its predictability and controllability are much lower than those of chemical or nuclear weapons.
Ways to use bacteriological agents
Various implementations are known harmful substances in atmosphere. So, the methods of using bacteriological weapons include:
aviation bombs and shells;
artillery mines;
packages, including bags, boxes and containers dropped from aircraft or helicopters;
special devices that disperse infected insects;
sabotage methods.
And yet, the main way attackers use bacteriological agents is to infect atmospheric air. The mechanism is as follows: when munitions preloaded with a bacteriological formula burst, a so-called bacteriological cloud (fog) is formed. Spreading along the wind, it disperses and then settles on the surface of the earth, forming an infected area, the area of which directly depends on the composition and amount of the formulation, as well as on wind speed.
There are other ways to infect an enemy, for example, in some cases, an ill-wisher can leave contaminated household items in public places: clothes, a bag, food, etc. In this case, the disease can occur as a result of direct contact with an infected object.
Another possible form of the spread of bacteriological weapons is the deliberate abandonment of infected patients when they leave. He, in turn, infects everyone else and becomes a source of infection among the entire population.
general characteristics biological weapons. The main types of pathogens of infectious diseases and the features of their damaging effect. Ways and means of using biological weapons
General characteristics of biological weapons
Biological weapons are special ammunition and combat devices with means of their delivery to the target, equipped with biological means; it is intended for mass destruction of people, farm animals and crops.
The basis of the damaging effect of biological weapons is biological agents (BS) - specially selected for combat use biological agents capable of causing severe diseases (damages) when they penetrate into the body of people (animals, plants).
Features of the damaging effect of BO
1. BO selectively affects mainly living matter, leaving intact material values, which can then be used by the attacking side. In addition, some biological agents are capable of infecting only humans, others - farm animals, and others - plants. Only a few agents are dangerous for both humans and animals.
2. BO has a high combat effectiveness, since the doses of biological agents that cause infection are negligible, significantly exceeding the most toxic poisonous substances in this.
3. BO is capable of hitting manpower over areas of tens of thousands or more square kilometers, which makes it possible to use it to hit highly dispersed manpower even in the absence of data on its exact location
4. The damaging effect of BW manifests itself through a certain, so-called incubation (hidden) period, which lasts from several hours to several days and even weeks. The incubation period can be shortened or lengthened depending on various factors. These include the magnitude of the dose of biological agents that have entered the body, the presence of specific immunity in the body, the timeliness of the use of medical protection, physical condition and previous exposure of the body to ionizing fluxes. During the incubation period, the personnel fully retain their combat capability.
5. BO is characterized by a duration of action due to the property of some biological agents to cause diseases capable of epidemic spread. On the other hand, some biological agents remain in the external environment in a viable state for a long time (months and years). The increase in the duration of BO action is also associated with the possibility of the spread of some biological agents by artificially infected blood-sucking vectors. In this case, there is a danger of the formation of a persistent natural focus of infection, the presence in which will be dangerous for personnel.
6. The possibility of covert use of BO and difficulties in the timely indication and identification of biological agents.
7. BO has a strong psychological impact. The threat of the use of BW by the enemy or the sudden appearance of dangerous diseases (plague, smallpox, yellow fever) can cause panic, depression, thereby reducing the combat capability of troops and disorganizing the work of the rear.
8. A large volume and complexity of work to eliminate the consequences of the use of BW, with the possible occurrence of serious environmental impact. Biological agents affect humans, animals and vegetable world, microorganisms. This can lead to their mass death, reduction in numbers to such a level at which they cannot continue their further existence as species. The disappearance of one or a group of biological species in an ecological community seriously disturbs the ecological balance. The created vacuum can be filled species- a carrier of a dangerous infection acquired naturally or as a result of the use of BW. In turn, this will lead to the formation of vast areas of persistent natural focality, in which it is dangerous for humans to live.
Biological agents are capable of causing diseases when they enter the body through the respiratory organs along with air, through the gastrointestinal tract with food and water, through the skin (through abrasions and wounds, and when bitten by infected insects).
The main types of pathogens of infectious diseases and the features of their damaging effect
As biological means, the enemy can use:
For the defeat of people - botulinum toxin, staphylococcal enterotoxin, causative agents of plague, tularemia, anthrax, yellow fever, Q fever, brucellosis, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and other diseases;
For the defeat of farm animals - pathogens of anthrax, glanders, foot and mouth disease, large plague cattle and etc.;
For the defeat of agricultural crops - pathogens of rust of cereals, late blight of potatoes and other diseases.
For the destruction of crops of grain and industrial crops, one can expect the deliberate use of insects by the enemy - the most dangerous pests agricultural crops such as locust, Colorado potato beetle, etc.
Microorganisms, including pathogens of infectious diseases, depending on the size, structure and biological properties are divided into the following classes: bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi.
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms visible only under a microscope; reproduce by simple division. They quickly die from exposure to direct sunlight, disinfectants and high temperatures. Bacteria are insensitive to low temperatures and even tolerate freezing. Some species of bacteria, in order to survive in adverse conditions, are able to become covered with a protective capsule or turn into a spore that is highly resistant to these factors. Bacteria cause such serious diseases as plague, tularemia, anthrax, glanders, etc.
Fungi are microorganisms that differ from bacteria in a more complex structure and methods of reproduction. Fungal spores are highly resistant to drying, exposure to sunlight and disinfectants. Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are characterized by damage to internal organs with a severe and prolonged course.
Features of the damaging effect of toxins
microbial toxins- products of vital activity of certain types of bacteria with high toxicity. When ingested with food, water in the human body, animals, these products cause severe, often fatal poisoning.
The most dangerous of the known bacterial toxins is botulinum toxin, leading to death in 60-70% of cases if not promptly treated. Toxins, especially when dried, are quite resistant to freezing, fluctuations relative humidity air and do not lose their damaging properties in the air for up to 12 hours. Toxins are destroyed during prolonged boiling and exposure to disinfectants.
When a certain amount of a toxin enters the body, it causes a form of disease called poisoning or intoxication.
The penetration of toxins into the body occurs mainly in three ways: through the gastrointestinal tract, the wound surface and the lungs. From the place of primary penetration, they are carried by blood to all organs and tissues. The toxin in the blood is partially neutralized by special cells of the immune system or specific antibodies that are produced by the body in response to the introduction of the toxin. In addition, the detoxification process takes place in the liver, where the toxin enters with the bloodstream. Removal of the neutralized toxin from the body in most cases is carried out by the kidneys.
The manifestations of the toxic effect of microbial toxins are different and are associated with their predominant damage to certain organs and those changes in the body that occur due to a violation the functions of these organs.
Individual toxins affect the nervous tissue, block the conduction of impulses along the nerve fibers, disrupting the regulatory influence of the nervous system on the muscles, resulting in paralysis.
Other toxins, acting mainly in the intestine, disrupt the process of absorption of fluid in it, which, on the contrary, exits into the intestinal lumen, as a result of which diarrhea and dehydration of the body develop.
In addition, toxins act on various internal organs, where they penetrate with blood, disrupting cardiac activity, liver and kidney functions. A number of toxins, being in the blood, can have a direct damaging effect on blood cells and blood vessels, and disrupt blood clotting processes.
Ways and means of using biological weapons
The effectiveness of BO action depends not only on the damaging abilities of pathogens, but also to a large extent on right choice ways and means of their application. The following ways of using BO are possible:
Pollution of the surface layer of air by spraying biological formulations (pathogens);
Aerosol way;
Dispersal of artificially infected blood-sucking disease vectors in the target area is a transmissible method;
Direct contamination by biological weapons and military equipment, water supply systems (water sources), catering units, food in warehouses, as well as air in rooms and objects that are important with the help of sabotage equipment - a sabotage method.
The most effective and probable way to use biological means is to create a biological aerosol using small bombs equipped in disposable bomb clusters, containers, warheads of guided and cruise missiles, as well as through various spraying devices (pouring and spraying aircraft devices, mechanical aerosol generators), mounted on airplanes, helicopters, cruise missiles, balloons, ships, submarines, on land vehicles.
Pouring and spraying aircraft devices allow reaching surface air aerosol contamination over large areas.
One-time bomb cassettes and containers can contain several tens and even hundreds of small biological bombs. Dispersion of small bombs allows you to simultaneously and evenly cover large-sized objects with an aerosol. The transfer of a biological formulation into a combat state is carried out by an explosion of an explosive charge.
Transmissive method consists in the deliberate dispersal of artificially infected vectors in a given area. The method is based on the ability of blood-sucking carriers to easily perceive, retain for a long time, and transmit pathogens of a number of diseases dangerous to humans and animals through bites and secretions. So, certain types mosquitoes transmit yellow fever, fleas - plague, lice - typhus, ticks - Q fever, encephalitis, tularemia, etc. The influence of weather conditions is determined only by their impact on the vital activity of carriers. It is believed that the use of infected vectors is most likely at temperatures of 15 ° C and above and a relative humidity of at least 60%. This method is considered as an auxiliary.
For the delivery and dispersal in the target area of disease vectors, as well as insect pests of crops, entomological ammunition can be used - aerial bombs and containers that provide protection from adverse factors during the flight and landing (heating and soft landing on the ground).
The use of radio and remote-controlled balloons and balloons as means of delivery is not ruled out. Drifting along with the prevailing air currents, they are capable of landing or dropping biological munitions on appropriate commands.
Diversionary method is very affordable and effective, does not require special training. With the help of small-sized devices (portable aerosol generators, spraying canisters) it is possible to infect the air in crowded places, in the premises and halls of stations, airports, subways, social, cultural and sports centers, as well as at objects of great defense and state importance. Possibility of contamination of water in urban plumbing systems using pathogens of cholera, typhoid fever, plague.
Biological agents can be used by tactical, transport and strategic aircraft.
According to foreign military experts, the use of biological weapons is possible both on the eve and during military operations in order to inflict massive losses on personnel, make it difficult to conduct active hostilities, disrupt the work of facilities and the economy of the rear as a whole. At the same time, biological munitions are supposed to be used both independently and in combination with nuclear, chemical and conventional weapons in order to significantly increase overall losses. So, for example, the previous exposure of the body to ionizing radiation from a nuclear explosion sharply reduces its protective ability against the action of BS and shortens the incubation period.
Principles for the use of biological weapons(surprise, massing, careful consideration of the conditions of use, combat properties and characteristics of the damaging effect of pathogens) are generally the same as for other types of WMD, in particular, chemical weapons.
In the offensive, biological weapons are supposed to be used to destroy the personnel of reserves and second echelons located in areas of concentration or marching, as well as rear units. In defense, the use of biological weapons is recommended to defeat personnel, both first and second echelons, major points management and rear facilities. To solve operational-tactical tasks, the enemy can use BS with a short incubation period and low contagiousness.
When acting on strategic objects, the use of BS with a long latent period and high contagiousness is more likely.
Yu.G.Afanasiev, A.G.Ovcharenko, S.L.Rasko, L.I.Trutneva
Bacteriological weapons are pathogenic microbes and bacterial poisons (toxins) intended to infect people, animals, plants and contaminate food supplies and water sources, as well as the ammunition with which they are used.
When affected by bacterial agents, the disease does not occur immediately, there is almost always a latent (incubation) period during which the disease does not manifest itself by external signs, and the affected person does not lose combat capability.
It is quite difficult to establish the fact of the use of bacterial agents and determine the type of pathogen, since neither microbes nor toxins have any color, smell or taste, and the effect of their action can appear after a long period of time.
Detection of bacterial agents is possible only through special laboratory research, which takes a lot of time, and this makes it difficult to take timely measures to prevent epidemic diseases.
1 Types of pathogenic microbes
Depending on the structure and biological properties, microbes are divided into bacteria, viruses, rickettsia and fungi.
Bacteria are microorganisms of plant origin, mostly unicellular, visible only with a microscope. Under favorable conditions, they multiply very quickly by simple division every 20-30 minutes. When exposed to sunlight, disinfectants and boiling, bacteria quickly die, but some of them (anthrax, tetanus, botulism), turning into spores, are highly resistant to these factors. Once in conditions favorable for development, spores germinate and turn into a vegetative (active) form of bacteria. Bacteria are not very sensitive to low temperatures and easily tolerate freezing.
Bacteria cause diseases such as plague, cholera, glanders, anthrax, etc.
Viruses are the smallest organisms, thousands of times smaller than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, viruses reproduce only in living tissues. Many of them withstand drying and temperatures above 100°C. Viruses can cause diseases such as smallpox, influenza, etc.
Rickettsia are close in size and shape to some bacteria, but they develop and live only in the tissues of the organs affected by them. They cause typhus.
Fungi, like bacteria, are of plant origin, but are more perfect in structure. The resistance of fungi to the effects of physicochemical factors is much higher than that of bacteria; they tolerate exposure to sunlight and drying well.
Some microbes, for example, microbes of botulism, tetanus, diphtheria, produce highly effective poisons - toxins that cause severe poisoning.
There are microbes that can cause disease in animals. Among such dangerous infectious diseases are foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, swine fever, sheep pox, glanders, anthrax, etc.
The causative agents of some plant diseases are also dangerous, for example, pathogens of stem rust of cereal crops, late blight of potatoes, rice blast, etc.
2 Methods of using bacteriological weapons
As a rule, methods of using bacteriological weapons are:
aviation bombs;
artillery mines and shells;
packages (bags, boxes, containers) dropped from aircraft;
special devices that disperse insects from aircraft;
sabotage methods.
In some cases, in order to spread infectious diseases, the enemy may leave contaminated household items during the withdrawal: clothing, food, cigarettes, etc. The disease in this case can occur as a result of direct contact with contaminated objects.
Another possible form of spread of pathogens is the deliberate abandonment of infectious patients during the departure so that they become a source of infection among the troops and the population.
When ammunition filled with a bacterial formula bursts, a bacterial cloud is formed, consisting of tiny droplets of liquid or solid particles suspended in the air. The cloud, spreading along the wind, dissipates and settles on the ground, forming an infected area, the area of which depends on the amount of the formulation, its properties and wind speed.
3 Infectious diseases
The causative agents of the following diseases can be used to equip bacteriological weapons: plague, cholera, anthrax, botulism, smallpox, tularemia.
Plague is an acute infectious disease. The causative agent is a microbe that is not highly resistant outside the body; in human sputum, it remains viable for up to 10 days. The incubation period is from 1 to 3 days. The disease begins acutely: there is a general weakness, chills, headache, the temperature rises rapidly, consciousness is darkened.
The most dangerous is the so-called pneumonic form of plague. It can be contracted by inhaling air containing the plague pathogen. Signs of the disease: along with a severe general condition, chest pain and cough appear with the release of a large amount of sputum with plague bacteria; the patient's strength quickly falls, loss of consciousness occurs; death occurs as a result of increasing cardiovascular weakness. The disease lasts from 2 to 4 days.
Cholera is an acute infectious disease characterized by a severe course and a tendency to spread rapidly. The causative agent of cholera - vibrio cholerae - is not resistant to the external environment, it remains in water for several months. The incubation period for cholera lasts from several hours to 6 days, on average 1-3 days.
The main signs of cholera damage: vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions; vomit and feces of a cholera patient take the form of rice water. With liquid stools and vomiting, the patient loses a large amount of fluid, quickly loses weight, his body temperature drops to 35 degrees. In severe cases, the disease can result in death.
Anthrax is an acute disease that mainly affects farm animals and can be transmitted from them to humans. The causative agent of anthrax enters the body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, damaged skin. The disease occurs in 1-3 days; it proceeds in three forms: pulmonary, intestinal and skin.
The pulmonary form of anthrax is a kind of inflammation of the lungs: the body temperature rises sharply, a cough appears with the release of bloody sputum, cardiac activity weakens and, if left untreated, death occurs in 2-3 days.
The intestinal form of the disease manifests itself in ulcerative lesions of the intestine, acute pain in the abdomen, bloody vomiting, diarrhea; death occurs in 3-4 days.
In the cutaneous form of anthrax, most often exposed areas of the body (arms, legs, neck, face) are affected. An itchy spot appears at the site of contact with the microbes of the pathogen, which after 12-15 hours turns into a vial with a cloudy or bloody liquid. The vesicle soon bursts, forming a black eschar, around which new vesicles appear, increasing the size of the eschar to 6-9 centimeters in diameter (carbuncle). The carbuncle is painful, massive edema forms around it. With a breakthrough of the carbuncle, blood poisoning and death are possible. With a favorable course of the disease, after 5-6 days, the patient's temperature decreases, the painful phenomena gradually disappear.
Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin, which is one of the most powerful poisons currently known.
Infection can occur through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, damaged skin and mucous membranes. The incubation period is from 2 hours to a day.
Botulinum toxin affects the central nervous system, the vagus nerve and the nervous apparatus of the heart; the disease is characterized by neuroparalytic phenomena. Initially, general weakness, dizziness, pressure in the epigastric region, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract appear; then paralytic phenomena develop: paralysis of the main muscles, muscles of the tongue, soft palate, larynx, facial muscles; in the future, paralysis of the muscles of the stomach and intestines is observed, as a result of which flatulence and persistent constipation are observed. The patient's body temperature is usually below normal. In severe cases, death can occur several hours after the onset of the disease as a result of respiratory paralysis.
Tularemia is an infectious disease. The causative agent of tularemia persists for a long time in water, soil, and dust. Infection occurs through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, mucous membranes and skin. The disease begins with a sharp increase in temperature and the appearance of headache and muscle pain. It occurs in three forms: pulmonary, intestinal and typhoid.
Smallpox is caused by a virus. This disease is characterized by fever and a scarring rash. It is transmitted through the air and objects.
4 The focus of bacteriological damage
The focus of bacteriological contamination is the territory that has been directly exposed to bacterial agents that create a source for the spread of infectious diseases and poisoning that cause damage to people.
The focus of bacteriological infection is characterized by the type of bacteriological agents used, the number of affected people, animals, plants, and the duration of the preservation of the damaging properties of pathogens.
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, to localize and eliminate zones and foci of bacteriological damage, quarantine and observation are established.
Quarantine is a system of measures taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases from the focus of infection and to eliminate the focus itself. Guards are established around the hearth, entry and exit, as well as the export of property, are prohibited.
