Microarrays--new possibilities for detecting biological factors hazardous for humans and animals, and for use in environmental protection.

Both the known biological agents that cause infectious diseases, as well as modified (ABF-Advanced Biological Factors) or new, emerging agents pose a significant diagnostic problem using previously applied methods, both classical, as well as based on molecular biology methods. The latter, such as PCR and real-time PCR, have significant limitations, both quantitative (low capacity), and qualitative (limited number of targets). The article discusses the results of studies on using the microarray method for the identification of viruses (e.

Bacillus anthracis infections--new possibilities of treatment.

Introduction And Objective: Bacillus anthracis is one of biological agents which may be used in bioterrorism attacks. The aim of this study a review of the new treatment possibilities of anthrax, with particular emphasis on the treatment of pulmonary anthrax. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge.

Review of methods used for identification of biothreat agents in environmental protection and human health aspects.

Modern threats of bioterrorism force the need to develop methods for rapid and accurate identification of dangerous biological agents. Currently, there are many types of methods used in this field of studies that are based on immunological or genetic techniques, or constitute a combination of both methods (immuno-genetic). There are also methods that have been developed on the basis of physical and chemical properties of the analytes.

[Protection against bioterrorism acts in Poland].

In this article general principles of defense against bioterrorism are presented. Furthermore, the effort, already undertaken for organization of the system enabling effective countermeasures to this threat as well as liquidation of the effects of such an event, is shown.

[Animal pathogens as biological weapons].

In this article, the most important animal pathogens, which, according to CDC classification, can be used as biological agents, are presented. The means of dissemination and the ways of infection's propagation are reviewed. Typical and the most dangerous signs and symptoms are described, as well as the consequences of these infections.

[Bioterrorism threat].

In this article contemporary views on terrorism with biological weapons use are presented. The bioterrorism phenomenon is described; some of the attacks known so far are reviewed as well as sources of possible agents' acquisition, terrorists' capabilities and lines of conduct.