Biological threats can have devastating impacts on human health. Infectious agents can lead to widespread outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics, as witnessed with diseases like COVID-19, Ebola, and influenza. Toxins, such as those produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum (botulinum toxin) or Bacillus anthracis (anthrax toxin), can cause severe illness or death. Toxicologists study these agents to understand their mechanisms of action, transmission pathways, and potential treatments.
