Possible Use of Bacteriophages Active againstBacillus anthracisand OtherB. cereusGroup Members in the Face of a Bioterrorism Threat

Abstract

Anthrax is an infectious fatal disease with epidemic potential. Nowadays, bioterrorism usingBacillus anthracisis a real possibility, and thus society needs an effective weapon to neutralize this threat. The pathogen may be easily transmitted to human populations. It is easy to store, transport, and disseminate and may survive for many decades. Recent data strongly support the effectiveness of bacteriophage in treating bacterial diseases. Moreover, it is clear that bacteriophages should be considered a potential incapacitative agent against bioterrorism using bacteria belonging toB. cereusgroup, especiallyB. anthracis. Therefore, we have reviewed the possibility of using bacteriophages active againstBacillus anthracisand other species of theB. cereusgroup in the face of a bioterrorism threat.