Question:
Which is the most important and potential agent that can be used in bioterrorism?
Which is the most important and potential agent that can be used in bioterrorism?
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The most contagious agent against a now-unvaccinated, non-immune population is the answer.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Yersinia pestis
- Small pox (Variola virus)
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Clostridium botulinum
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Bioterrorism agents are classified by the CDC into Categories A, B and C. Category A agents pose the greatest risk because they spread easily, cause high mortality and create public panic.
Step 2: Category A includes smallpox, anthrax, plague (Yersinia pestis), botulism (Clostridium botulinum), tularaemia and viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Step 3: Among the listed options, Yersinia pestis, smallpox and Clostridium botulinum all belong to Category A, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not a recognised Category A bioterror agent.
Step 4: Smallpox is regarded as the single most dangerous potential bioweapon because it is highly contagious from person to person, the disease was eradicated so the population has no immunity and routine vaccination has stopped, and it carries high case fatality.
Conclusion: Smallpox is the most important and potential agent. The printed answer key (B. Small pox) is correct.
Step 2: Category A includes smallpox, anthrax, plague (Yersinia pestis), botulism (Clostridium botulinum), tularaemia and viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Step 3: Among the listed options, Yersinia pestis, smallpox and Clostridium botulinum all belong to Category A, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not a recognised Category A bioterror agent.
Step 4: Smallpox is regarded as the single most dangerous potential bioweapon because it is highly contagious from person to person, the disease was eradicated so the population has no immunity and routine vaccination has stopped, and it carries high case fatality.
Conclusion: Smallpox is the most important and potential agent. The printed answer key (B. Small pox) is correct.
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