Biodefense Research Methodology and Animal Models

Significant advances have been made in animal model development for biological research since the publication of the first edition of this volume, and the ramifications of the FDA’s Animal Efficacy Rule have become better understood in the scientific community. With each chapter completely updated with the latest research findings, Biodefense Research Methodology and Animal Models, Second Edition spans the spectrum of coverage from basic research to advanced development of medical countermeasures.Topics discussed in this volume include: A history of biological agents as weapons, from the use of corpses to contaminate water supplies to modern day anthrax attacksConcepts and strategies involved in biowarfare and bioterrorismThe development, validation, and importance of animal models in biodefense researchInfectious disease aerobiologyStudies involving anthrax, glanders, plague, tularemia, Q fever, alphaviruses, orthopoxviruses, and a new chapter on brucellosisAnimal models for viral hemorrhagic feversBotulinum and Ricin toxinsStaphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens As the scientific community works diligently to protect the world’s population from the misuse of infectious organisms and toxins, it is imperative that researchers stay abreast of the latest techniques for biodefense research. Exploring in vivo and in vitro assays, this volume brings researchers up to date on the latest information on bacterial and viral infectious agents and biological toxins considered to pose the greatest threats to public safety. In addition, the contributors take a step toward minimizing the use of animals in further experiments by presenting documented findings that can be built upon.Table of ContentHistory of Biological Agents as Weapons. Bioterrorism and Biowarfare: Similarities and Differences. Scientific and Ethical Importance of Animal Models in Biodefense Research.Development and Validation of Animal Models.Infectious Disease Aerobiology: Aerosol Challenge Methods. Characterization of New and Advancement of Existing Animal Models of Bacillus anthracis Infection. Glanders. Plague. Tularemia. Q Fever. Brucellosis. Alphaviruses. Orthopoxviruses. Animal Models for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. Botulinum Toxins. Ricin. Staphylococcal and Streptococcal Superantigens: In Vitro and In Vivo Assays. Index.Review QuotePraise for the Previous Edition "Most readers will be surprised at the long-standing involvement of veterinarians in global historical programs-both offensive and defensive in nature...Dr. Swearengen's qualifications as the editor are matched only by the world-class assembly of contributors...This book should be one of those few dog-eared, ready references on your desk." -Donald L Noah, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), Vol. 229, No. 12, December 2006 "This text will be useful to physicians, veterinarians, scientists and technicians pursuing expertise in infectious diseases in general and, in particular, in infectious agents with potential as biological weapons. ...The first chapter, which reviews the history of biological weapons, is a chilling reminder of man's inhumanity to man in the successful-as well as unsuccessful-deliberate release of biological agents in the past. ...The main value of this text is the concise overview of each agent, with significant experimental data and extensive references." -Mark T. Whary, DVM, Ph.D., DACLAM, in the Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS), Vol. 45, No. 5, September 2006 "...includes a wealth of accurate well presented, well referenced information on the subject, including readable accounts of the history of biological warfare/bioterrorism and detail of specific disease threats, such as anthrax." -Brian Austin, in Microbiology Today, 2006Biographical NoteDr. James R. Swearengen, following retirement from the U.S. Army after 21 years of service, served for 4 years as the senior director at the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International before joining the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center as their comparative medicine veterinarian in 2009. Since 2007, Dr. Swearengen has served on the National Academies of Science National Research Council Standing Committee on Biodefense for the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Academies of Science Institute for Laboratory Animal Research Committee on Animal Models for Assessing Countermeasures to Bioterrorism Agents.