Biological agent

A biological agent is a bacterium, virus, prion, fungus, or biological toxin that can be used in bioterrorism or biological warfare. More than 1200 different kinds of biological agents have been described and studied to date. Applying a slightly broader definition, some eukaryotes (for example parasites) and their associated toxins can be considered as biological agents.

Biological agents 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. These organisms are ubiquitous in the natural environment; they are found in water, soil, plants, and animals. Because many biological agents reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for preservation, they are a potential danger in a wide variety of occupational settings.

Simulants

 * MR - molasis residium
 * BG - Bacillus globigii
 * BS - Bacillus globigii
 * U - Bacillus globigii
 * SM - Serratia marescens
 * P - Serratia marescens
 * AF - Aspergillus fumigatus mutant C-2
 * EC - E. coli
 * BT - Bacillus thursidius
 * EH - Erwinia hebicola
 * FP - fluorescent particle