Which biologic agent of terrorism can be effectively treated with antibiotics?

The biologic agent of terrorism that can be effectively treated with antibiotics is plague. Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, plague has been historically recognized as a serious infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans through infected animals or their fleas.

Antibiotics such as streptomycin, doxycycline, or ciprofloxacin can effectively treat the plague, especially when administered early in the course of the infection. The ability to treat plague with antibiotics highlights the importance of rapid identification and intervention in cases of biological terrorism, where timely medical response can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.

In contrast, smallpox, caused by the variola virus, does not have an effective antibiotic treatment since it is a viral infection. Similarly, botulism is related to botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, and while antitoxin exists, antibiotics are not effective against the toxin itself. Ricin, derived from castor beans, is a toxin rather than a bacterial infection and is not treatable with antibiotics. This distinction emphasizes the unique characteristics of plague as a bacterial agent that can be managed with antibiotic therapy.