“NEURINT” and Neuroweapons - Neurotechnology in National Security and Defense - page 105

Bacterial toxigenics Bacillus anthracis (i.e., anthrax toxin) Bacterial spores are inhaled and uptaken

by macrophages
Spores become active bacilli and rupture
macrophages, releasing bacteria into
bloodstream, where the anthrax toxin is
released
Anthrax toxin enables bacteria to evade
the immune system, proliferate, and
ultimately cause polyfocal effects

Anthracic meningitis
Inhibition of protective immune responses
Cell lysis and destruction
Bleeding and death

Clostridium botulinum (i.e., Botulinum toxin)
(also, C. butyricum, C. baratii, C. argentinense )

Decreased ACh release
Decreased neuromuscular transmission

Induces laccid paralysis and cardio-respiratory
failure

Several genera of Cyanobacteria (e.g., Anabaena,
Aphanizomenon, Oscillatoria, Microcystis,
Planktothrix, Raphidiopsis, Arthrospira,
Cylindrospermum, Phormidium ) (i.e.,
anatoxin-α)

Stimulates nicotinic ACh receptors
Mimics ACh causing irreversible
stimulation of NMJ

Permanent contraction of muscles
Loss of coordination, twitching, convulsions, and
rapid death by respiratory paralysis

Gambierdiscus toxicus (i.e., ciguatoxin) Lowers the threshold for activating

voltage-gated sodium channels

Causes headache, muscle aches, weakness,
dizziness, itching. nightmares, and/or
hallucinations.
Causes paresthesias (e.g., sensation of burning or
“pins-and-needles,” reversal of hot and cold
temperature sensation, or unusual tastes)
Very low mortality; recovery within 1 month.

ACh, acetylcholine; CNS, central nervous system; DA, dopamine; NMJ, neuromuscular junction.