Bacteria are single-celled organisms that cause a variety of diseases in animals, plants, and humans; they may also produce extremely potent toxins inside the human body. Bacteria used as weapon maybe disseminated as solids and aerosol with possible routes of entry being inhalation, ingestion, contact, and/or injection. Bacterial infections can be fought with antibiotics, but effectiveness of antibiotic treatment depends on quick recognition of infection and correct antibiotic selection. In general, early signs and symptoms are flu like with fever, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, coughing, etc.

Examples of bacteria that can be used as a weapon include:

• Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
• Plague (Yersinia pestis)
• Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)