Fungi as bioweapons

Abstract

Fungi cause disease directly by infection or indirectly through mycotoxins. Fungi that are used as weapons might be targeted against humans, livestock, or crops. Humans and animals encounter fungi and mycotoxins through inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin and mucous membranes. Effective fungal bioweapons would require the ability to cause significant destruction and a means of delivery to target populations or farms. Effective counter measures against fungal bioweapons would be able to prevent or treat this damage. This article describes several potential biological warfare or bioterrorism fungal species and mycotoxins in regard to their biology, epidemiology, potential for weaponization, and the clinical features, prevention, and treatment of the diseases that they cause.