A New Generation of Biological Weapons? Politique étrangère, No. 1, Spring 2005

The use of pathogens as biological weapons was considered since their early discovery. Attacks using 'natural' virulent germs, such as the bacillus of plague or anthrax, were perpetrated during the 20th century by States or terrorists. Recent scientific progress dramatically changes the threat of biological weapons, by improving the virulence or the resistance of pathogens (bacteria or virus), by genetic manipulations. At the edge of the 21st century, it is now possible to synthesize in vitro small viruses, thus it is conceivable to design very dangerous viruses, such as Ebola or smallpox viruses. Recent technological breakthroughs permit the creation of novel germs, extremely dangerous since never encountered before by highly susceptible humans. Prevention of bioterrorist attacks requires a careful scientific surveillance of potentially dangerous biotechnological innovations, and eventually retention of scientific information of the most unsafe data. Overcoming the crisis induced by bioterrorist attacks remains a major problem of information management.

Patrick Berche, is a Doctor, Professor of Microbiology, Bacteriology-Virology Consultant at the Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades in Paris and Dean of Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades. Expert to the Délégation générale pour l'Armement (DGA), he is a specialist in Bacterial Genetic and Biological Risk linked topics.