A new article titled “The threat of Monkeypox virus: a review of its potential use as a biological weapon” has been published in the European Physical Journal Plus, authored by Gian Marco Ludovici (Principal Investigator), Claudio Ricci, Guglielmo Manenti, Riccardo Quaranta, and Andrea Malizia.
The paper begins by framing bioterrorism as the intentional use of highly pathogenic microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, or their toxins—to spread large-scale diseases with religious, ideological, political, or economic motivations. While the technical feasibility of a bioterrorist attack is not always realistic, the authors emphasize that the threat is more present than ever. Terrorists are increasingly attracted by the ability of biological agents to generate panic and destabilization.
In the era of biotechnology and nanotechnology, the production and availability of sophisticated biological agents has become more accessible, raising international concern. Within this context, the Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV) has drawn significant attention. Since 2022, there has been a global surge in human cases of Monkeypox, worrying the scientific community due to its close relation to the Smallpox Virus—historically used as a biological weapon.
This study investigates the feasibility of using hMPXV as a biological weapon by evaluating possible scenarios and examining how First and Second Responders would need to intervene in order to manage an emergency of this magnitude on a global scale.
The work highlights the urgent need to strengthen global health preparedness and preventive strategies, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special thanks go to Principal Investigator Dr. Gian Marco Ludovici, who led this important research.
📖 Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-06721-2
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