What is the meaning of biological agents?

A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer and other diseases. Biological agents include antibodies, interleukins, and vaccines. Also called biologic agent and biological drug.

What are the 6 biological agents?

Agents/Diseases

• Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
• Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin)
• Plague (Yersinia pestis)
• Smallpox (variola major)
• Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)
• Viral hemorrhagic fevers, including. Filoviruses (Ebola, Marburg) Arenaviruses (Lassa, Machupo)

What is the definition of a biological agent?

Specifically, in Article 2 of the directive, biological agents are defined as the “micro-organisms, including those which have been genetically modified, cell cultures and human endoparasites, which may be able to provoke any infection, allergy or toxicity”.

How are biological agents harmful to human health?

They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions—even death. Some organisms, including various types of mold and Legionella bacteria, are found readily in the natural and built environment.

Why are biological agents a high priority agent?

The U.S. public health system and primary healthcare providers must be prepared to address various biological agents, including pathogens that are rarely seen in the United States. High-priority agents include organisms that pose a risk to national security because they

Can a biological agent be used as a weapon?

In some forms, biological agents can also be weaponized for use in bioterrorism or other crimes. This page provides a listing of the Safety and Health Topics pages OSHA maintains for various biological agents and toxins.