Biological Agent

A biological agent is an infectious disease or toxin that can be used in bioterrorism or biological warfare. There are more than 1200 different kinds of biological agents.Biological agents include prions, microorganisms (viruses, bacteria and fungi) and some unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes (for example parasites) and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from allergic reactions that are usually relatively mild, 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.
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Biological agent Military medicine A euphemism for a pathogenic microorganism or virus, or other toxic biological material, intended for use as a [more]Biological agent - Community and Resources

Noun
1. any bacterium or virus or toxin that could be used in biological warfare
(synonym) biohazard
(hypernym) agent

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 or biological drug. 

A micro-organism which causes disease in man, plants, or animals or causes the deterioration of materiel. See also biological environment; biological operation; biological weapon; chemical agent. 1/3/73

Micro-organisme qui provoque une maladie chez l'homme, chez les plantes et les animaux, ou qui s'attaque aux matières non- vivantes. Voir aussi opération biologique; arme biologique; agent chimique; environnement biologique. 1/3/73