Biological Agents Database in the Armed Forces

Authors: Marcin Niemcewicz Janusz Kocik Anna Bielecka Michał Wierciński

Publish Date: 2014/07/18

Volume: 62, Issue: 5, Pages: 357-361

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Abstract

Rapid detection and identification of the biological agent during both natural or deliberate outbreak is crucial for implementation of appropriate control measures and procedures in order to mitigate the spread of disease Determination of pathogen etiology may not only support epidemiological investigation and safety of human beings but also enhance forensic efforts in pathogen tracing collection of evidences and correct inference The article presents objectives of the Biological Agents Database which was developed for the purpose of the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Poland under the European Defence Agency frame The Biological Agents Database is an electronic catalogue of genetic markers of highly dangerous pathogens and biological agents of weapon of mass destruction concern which provides full identification of biological threats emerging in Poland and in locations of activity of Polish troops The Biological Agents Database is a supportive tool used for tracing biological agents’ origin as well as rapid identification of agent causing the disease of unknown etiology It also provides support in diagnosis analysis response and exchange of information between institutions that use information contained in it Therefore it can be used not only for military purposes but also in a civilian environmentPresented at IAP Scientific Seminar “Natural or Deliberate Outbreak—How to Prevent or Detect and Trace its Origin Biosecurity Surveillance Forensics” coorganized by the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology on December 6 2013 in Warsaw

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