Lessons learned from 2001-2021 - from the bioterrorism to the pandemic era.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze available literature on the development of biological warfare and combating the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. Against the background of contemporary threats from biological factors, the strengths and weaknesses of response in the event of a bioterrorist attack during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have been identified. The scope and importance of international cooperation in the fight against the pandemic is assessed. REVIEW METHODS: The more important literature on bioterrorism, biological weapons and the COVID-19 pandemic, both from earlier work and recent publications, was analyzed, emphasizing new threats and adequate defence against them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: The bio-warfare threat and the current COVID 19 pandemic that has hit mankind on a global scale has clearly shown how dangerous biological agents are and what effects they can cause, negatively affecting every sphere of human activity with catastrophic consequences. Data on examples of bioterrorist attacks carried out and research on the development of biological weapons and methods of combating pandemic COVID-19, were reviewed. New threats related to technological development,including those resulting from genetic manipulation, biosynthesis, and modern means of delivery, are pointed out. Attention has been paid to the implications of controlling the proliferation of biological weapons and the issues of international cooperation in the fight against bioterrorism and the COVD-19 pandemic. SUMMARY: The lesson learned clearly demonstrates the weakness of states in responding to such threats. The risks of uncontrolled scientific advances are still underestimated. Appropriate international control measures must be taken urgently to prepare for new pandemics, bioterrorist attacks, and the possibility of using modern biological weapons.

Review of studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 is a human infectious disease manifested by acute respiratory syndrome. On 30 January, 2020, the Word Heath Organization (WHO) declared a COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this article is to review publications on the search for substances that show inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, paying particular attention to the effect on different stages of the life cycle of the virus. REVIEW METHODS: The review was based on an analysis of the latest available scientific literature and international databases. The data collected relate to the years 2020-2021. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Extremely intensive research is underway to find compounds that inhibit infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Promising areas of research among the many current endeavours are antiviral compounds that stimulate the immune system, counter proliferation or affect individual viral replication cycles. These include, among others, interferons, monoclonal antibodies, natural compounds, peptides, aptamers, metal salts, and anti-inflammatory agents, inhibitors of viral enzymem, such as the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Preparations that help the body to combat the effects of infection have also assumed much importance. CONCLUSIONS: The ongoing research is focused on the development of new antiviral agents, as well as the use of the existing drugs on the market. The results of clinical trials are promising and give hope for the development of effective therapies against SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants of this virus.