Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens
Item Details
Title
Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens
Topics
From the USAF Counterproliferation Papers, written by a masters student at Air War College. Discusses 6 classes of genetically engineered pathogens - binary biological weapons, designer genes and life forms, gene therapy, stealth viruses, host swapping diseases, and designer diseases - and their potential for use in BW.
Date
2010
Conclusions
Genetically engineered pathogens could have devastating effects, especially when used by "rogue nations". Spends a lot of time speculating about danger without substantiating claims. There were several factual errors.
Files
Source
Almosara, J.O. "Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens." The Counterproliferation Papers Future Warfare Series, No. 53. USAF Counterproliferation Center. June, 2010.
Citation
“Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens,” Collection of Biothreat Risk Assessments (COBRA), accessed January 15, 2025, https://cobrabiosecurity.org/items/show/497.