Dr. Lopez-Perez examines the infectious diseases syndromes that via bioterrorism and natural outbreaks could be responsible for “end of the world” scenarios. He initially focuses on agents of bioterrorism, including Anthrax, Smallpox, Plague, Tularemia and Botulism. He then goes on to discuss the threat posed by pandemic influenza. He also touches upon the possibility of genetically engineered pandemics, in which techniques such as “CRISPR” could be used to create “designer organisms” or to replicate or modify already fearsome pathogens (such as influenza or smallpox) with devastating results.
