Synthetic Poliovirus: Bioterrorism and Science Policy Implications (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Dec. 13, 2002 |
| Report Number |
RS21369 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Frank Gottron, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
In July 2002, an online scientific journal published a report describing how to make the virus that
causes polio from mail-ordered pieces of DNA. This sparked widespread concern that the same
process could be used by terrorists to make this or other biological agents. Most bioterrorism experts
agree that it would be much easier, cheaper, and quicker to obtain most such agents from naturally
occurring sources. Smallpox and Ebola are frequently cited as exceptions; however, these agents
would be significantly more difficult to synthesize than poliovirus. To limit the threat posed by this
type of research, policymakers have discussed approaches that include: increasing oversight of the
DNA suppliers, limiting access to the genetic information of select pathogens, and regulating the
publishing of information deemed possibly helpful to terrorists. This report will be updated as
events warrant.
