Observations placeholder

Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2003 Nov;43(11):880-2.  [Neurological effects of chemical and biological weapons].  [Article in Japanese]  Inoue N

Neurological manifestations of chemical and biological weapons are reviewed. Nerve agents in current use, storage, or production include tabun, sarin, soman and VX.

The initial effects of exposure to a nerve agent depend on the dose and on the route of exposure.

Sarin, the agent studied most thoroughly in man in Matumoto and Tokyo attacked by Aum shinrikyo will cause miosis, rhinorrehea and shortness of breath are initial complaints immediately after inhalation exposure of the vapor. The severe cases showed loss of consciousness and convulsions. Respiratory arrest may occur.

The most toxic of the nerve agents is VX. It is thought to be 100 times as toxic as sarin for humans by the percutaneous rout. The similar findings to sarin exposure are also observed in cases exposured to VX.

Atropin and PAM will be effective in the early stage.

BZ (benzilate) is a delayed onset incapacitation agent. It causes severe hallucination.

The cyanide compounds are among the most rapidly acting of war gases, resulting in death.

Anthrax has been the most attractive biological weapon for a long time [sic]. Anthrax is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and lungs in man and animals. Meningoencephalitis has been reported in the terminal stage in anthrax infection. In autopsy, it is really confirmed in the characteristic findings of the meningeal abnormality.

The potential weaponization of variola virus continues to pose a military threat because the aerosol infectivity of the virus and the development of susceptible populations. A high rate of lethality, a staunch resistance to treatments and a rapid onset of severe generalised muscle weakness make botulinum toxin a suitable agent for biological warfare particularly by oral administration.

PMID: 15152492