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Ricin: A Possible, Noninfectious Biological Weapon

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Book cover Bioterrorism and Infectious Agents: A New Dilemma for the 21st Century

Part of the book series: Emerging Infectious Diseases of the 21st Century ((EIDC))

9. Conclusion

Ricin is a potent and easy to extract plant toxin. Its characteristics make it a potentially dangerous biological weapon. We understand now, better than ever, the pathogenesis of ricin poisoning. But treatment of ricin poisoning is still mainly supportive. More research is needed to develop specific and effective modalities of treatment.

The threat of bioterrorism is no longer as remote as it was in the past. The medical community should be familiar with the clinical presentation and treatment of ricin poisoning. Knowledge will allow better recognition and response to an attack.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps Headquarters, Israel

    Maor Maman MD & Yoav Yehezkelli MD

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  1. Maor Maman MD
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  2. Yoav Yehezkelli MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    I. W. Fong

  2. The National Center for Biodefense, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia

    Kenneth Alibek

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Maman, M., Yehezkelli, Y. (2005). Ricin: A Possible, Noninfectious Biological Weapon. In: Fong, I.W., Alibek, K. (eds) Bioterrorism and Infectious Agents: A New Dilemma for the 21st Century. Emerging Infectious Diseases of the 21st Century. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-23685-6_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-23685-6_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-23684-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-23685-8

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