biological agent
Microbe
A biological agent is a microorganism, toxin, or other biological substance that can affect living things, particularly humans.
The term appears most often in contexts involving warfare, terrorism, or public health threats, where such agents—bacteria, viruses, or toxins—might be weaponized or pose epidemic risk.
Anthrax is classified as a category A biological agent.
In broader scientific contexts, biological agent may simply refer to any living organism or derivative used to produce a specific effect, as in pest control or medical research.
Spore-forming bacterial disease
- smallpoxDeadly pustular viral infection
- plagueDeadly epidemic disease
- botulismBacterial food poisoning
- ricinToxic castor compound
brucellosis · bioterrorism · biowarfare · weaponization · aerosolization · dissemination · stockpile · treaty
Microscopic infectious agent
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- fungusSpore-bearing organism
- parasiteOne exploiting a host
- microorganismMicroscopic living entity
prion · infection · contagion · transmission · host · carrier · vector · reservoir
Injected animal poison
- poisonHarmful ingested substance
- ricinToxic castor compound
- botulinumParalysis-causing bacterial species
- endotoxinBacterial wall toxin
exotoxin · cytotoxin · neurotoxin · hemotoxin · antitoxin · toxoid · lethal dose · toxicology
Living organisms detoxify pollutants
- fermentationMicrobial sugar conversion
- nitrogen fixationConverting inert gas to ammonia
- decomposerOrganism breaking down corpses
- symbiontOrganism sharing mutual benefit
biocontrol · biopesticide · lactobacillus · yeast · penicillium · biofertilizer · composting · waste treatment
Introduction of impurities
- exposureState of being unprotected
- quarantineIsolation preventing disease transmission
- containmentPreventing hostile expansion
- biosafetyProtection from biological hazards
decontamination · PPE · isolation · hazmat · spillage · disposal · sterilization · autoclave
anthrax
Spore-forming bacterial disease
- smallpoxDeadly pustular viral infection
- plagueDeadly epidemic disease
- botulismBacterial food poisoning
ricin · brucellosis · bioterrorism · biowarfare · weaponization · aerosolization · dissemination · stockpile · treaty · detection
virus
Microscopic infectious agent
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- fungusSpore-bearing organism
- parasiteOne exploiting a host
microorganism · prion · infection · contagion · transmission · host · carrier · vector · reservoir · zoonosis
venom
Injected animal poison
- poisonHarmful ingested substance
- ricinToxic castor compound
- botulinumParalysis-causing bacterial species
endotoxin · exotoxin · cytotoxin · neurotoxin · hemotoxin · antitoxin · toxoid · lethal dose · toxicology · detoxification
bioremediation
Living organisms detoxify pollutants
- fermentationMicrobial sugar conversion
- nitrogen fixationConverting inert gas to ammonia
- decomposerOrganism breaking down corpses
symbiont · biocontrol · biopesticide · lactobacillus · yeast · penicillium · biofertilizer · composting · waste treatment · gut flora
contamination
Introduction of impurities
- exposureState of being unprotected
- quarantineIsolation preventing disease transmission
- containmentPreventing hostile expansion
biosafety · decontamination · PPE · isolation · hazmat · spillage · disposal · sterilization · autoclave · disinfection
- aviation threatshijacking, skyjacking, bomb threat, terrorism, explosive
biological agentchemical agent
Substance producing specific effects
synthetic compound · chemical compound · chemical weapon · industrial chemical · mechanical device
biological agentchemical weapon
Toxic agent for warfare
nuclear weapon · chemical agent · nerve agent · conventional weapon · explosive device
biological, biologic, biologically, biology, biologist, biologists, biota, biotic, abiotic