Page 47 - MILITARY-STUDIES-2

Module - V
Biological Warfare
Warfare and
Its Types to produce casualties in man or animals and damage to plants or material and
defence against such use.
(c) Aerosol - An aerosol is a suspension of small particles (liquid or solid) in air.
Mist and smoke are examples of aerosol. The size of the particle should not
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exceed 5 microns (1 micron or 1 micrometre = 1×10 metre = 0.001 mm)
Note (d) Toxins - Toxins are metabolic products of bacteria. They cause poisoning of
organisms.

Intext Questions 13.1

1. Fill in the blanks:-
(a) An aerosol is a suspension of __________________.

(b) Biological agent is a __________ .

2. What are toxins?

13.2 Types, Essential Characteristics and Selection of BW
Agents

13.2.1 Types of Biological Agents
A biological agent is one which is highly infectious, easily produced and stored. They
should be stable and suitable for use in the field. They should be able to produce a
disease for which there is minimal immunity in the target population. There are four
primary groups of microorganisms from among which a biological warfare agent is
likely to be drawn.

They are classified as

(a) Bacteria
(b) Rickettsia
(c) Virus

(d) Fungi
(a) Bacteria: Bacteria are small, free-living microscopic organisms. They can be
grown easily in the laboratory. They are distinguished from the cells of other
organisms in having primitive non- membrane-enclosed nuclei. They are therefore
said to be 'prokaryotic'. Certain bacteria, under unfavourable conditions, undergo
change into a state of inactiveness and are called Spores. The spores become
active when suitable or favourable conditions prevail. It is considered to be a
defence mechanism because such bacteria can survive under unfavourable

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MILITARY STUDIES