Question

In September 2001, which of the following was used as a bioweapon agent in America?
a. Botulinum
b. Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
c. Polio virus
d. AIDS virus

Answer 1

Biological weapon, warfare, also known as germ warfare, is the use of biological infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, insects, and fungi with the intent to kill humans, animals, or plants as an act of war. Biological weapons also called biological threat agents, are living organisms or viruses which lead to fatal consequences on a mass level.

Complete answer:
Some important points-
• Amerithrax (derived from "America" and "anthrax") is the 2001 Anthrax attack that happened in America and is one of the largest and most complex attacks in the history of mankind.
• It occurred in the United States, one week after the September 11 terrorist attacks, lasting the course of several weeks beginning on September 18, 2001.
• FBI investigations prove the letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to several news media offices and to Democratic Senators, killing five people and infecting 17 others.
• The second letter containing the spores was more potent than the first that contained a refined powder of pure Anthrax grains.
• Anthrax is considered as the deadliest of bioweapons.

Botulinum-It is a deadly toxin and considered the most lethal toxin until now. Even one nanogram amount can kill a person.

Poliovirus- It is not as infectious and lethal as other viruses as there are vaccinations available at an early stage.

AIDS Virus- It is not a virus that can spread through direct communication. It is caused by HIV(human immunodeficiency virus) and this causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome(AIDS). For this to spread, sexual contact is required.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
- The Japanese have experimented with the infectious agents for bubonic plague, anthrax, typhus, smallpox, yellow fever, tularemia, hepatitis, cholera, etc since ancient times of war.
- In September 2001, Anthrax was used as a bioweapon agent in America.
- Anthrax is caused by spore forming bacteria. Animals are mainly affected by anthrax.
- Humans can become infected by inhaling spores or contact with an infected animal.

Note: The deadliest bioweapon attack was Plague and was the most commonly used in the past. It is caused by fleas and so it is easy to spread. It is caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacteria. The first recorded evidence started the black death pandemic.