Pattern of bioterrorism in ancient times: lessons to be learned from the microbial and toxicological aspects

• Published in: Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift 2024-10, Vol.174 (13-14), p.288-298
• Main Authors: Eslami, Elaheh, Siamian, Hasan, Rezaei Orimi, Jamal, Aghabeiglooei, Zahra, Salimi-Sabour, Ebrahim, Amrollahi-Sharifabadi, Mohammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological Warfare Agents - history; Bioterrorism - history; Family Medicine; General Practice; Geriatrics/Gerontology; History, 15th Century; History, 16th Century; History, 17th Century; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, Ancient; History, Medieval; Humans; Infectious Diseases; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Review
• ISSN: 0043-5341; 1563-258X; 1563-258X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10354-023-01029-1

Summary The current research aimed to analyze the history of bioterrorism in antiquity and to adapt the data to modern medical knowledge. To this end, a thorough evaluation of the literature related to the ancient history of bioterrorism and modern data was done using the Web of Sciences, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Results showed that knowledge of bioterrorism has existed since antiquity in different civilizations. Biological and toxicological agents were used as an instrument of legal execution, as a warfare tool in battles, or to eliminate political rivals across nations. Ancient people researched bioterrorism to apply it against enemies and at the same time provide countermeasures in favor of themselves and allies. Despite the existence of the principles of bioterrorism since ancient times, adaptation of the data to modern research can assist in planning countermeasure efforts, preventive actions, and treatments in the framework of modern counterterrorism medicine.