Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) on Update on Bacterial Biological Agents in the Euro-MENA Region and their Implications for Bioterrorism

Authors: Gamal Wareth and Heinrich Neubauer

GMPC TOP 2025. vol. 5, Iss. 2 pp:2-34
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gtop.2025.2.0039

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Abstract:

The proposed Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by biological agents in the Euro-MENA region, encompassing Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Notable bacterial pathogens, such as anthrax, brucellosis, plague, tularemia, Q fever, glanders, and listeriosis, are of particular concern. While some of these dangerous diseases are endemic in various European countries, vital information regarding their prevalence and impact in the MENA region remains largely unavailable, and vice versa. 
The primary aim of this ARW is to convene distinguished scientists, experts, and decision-makers from the Euro-MENA regions to share their insights and experiences regarding biological agents. This collaborative setting will foster an environment conducive to discussing the current landscape and exploring actionable solutions for improved preparedness. 
By conducting this ARW, we expect to create valuable partnerships among regional experts, pave the way for new research collaborations, enhance awareness, and identify potential transmission pathways of these threatening pathogens. Such collective efforts are essential for expediting treatment solutions and bolstering our knowledge and readiness against future bioterrorism threats. This ARW can make a significant impact on our ability to safeguard public health across the Euro-MENA region.


Event description
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) encompass chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, all of which can cause significant harm to human and animal health, as well as extensive damage to infrastructure and the environment on a large scale. The proposed Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) will focus on biological agents in the Euro-MENA region, which includes Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The bacterial agents of primary concern are pathogens that lead to serious diseases such as anthrax, brucellosis, plague, tularemia, Q fever, glanders, and listeriosis. Anthrax is one of the most serious biological agents, frequently proving lethal and leading to severe illness and incapacitation in both humans and livestock. Other significant bacterial agents include brucellosis, plague, tularemia, and Q fever. Anthrax is endemic in Ukraine, Italy, and several other European countries, with reported fatal cases in both humans and animals. Sporadic cases have also been observed in countries like Germany. However, there is currently no information available regarding this notorious disease in the MENA region. In contrast, brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases are endemic in the MENA region. 
Diseases like anthrax are ranked as the second-highest priority zoonotic disease, characterized by an unstable global epidemiological situation, with cases consistently reported in different regions each year, raising public health concerns. Brucellosis is endemic in nearly all MENA regions and several Mediterranean European countries. These diseases are transmitted to humans from contaminated environmental sources, soil samples containing spores, or through the consumption of contaminated meat, as well as products from livestock that have died from these diseases. The overall objective of the workshop is to systematically assess the molecular epidemiology of biological agents in the Euro-MENA countries to identify potential transmission chains. 
 
Additionally, the workshop will aim to develop interventions to raise awareness and change behaviors among livestock farmers to reduce the risk of biological agent transmission to livestock and, consequently, to humans. This will be achieved through multi-sectoral discussions during the workshop, covering all points raised in the Key Priorities of the CBRN.

Goals and expectations
This event aims to actively engage local experts from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and Euro regions in mapping infection hotspots, enhancing our understanding of the epidemiology of bacterial biological agents, and identifying potential transmission pathways. We also seek to raise awareness about the threat of bioterrorism, improve knowledge regarding the frequency of biological outbreaks, and underscore the significant burden posed by infections and their transmission mechanisms. By addressing risky behaviors, such as the improper disposal of infectious materials and deceased animals, we strive to promote safer practices.

Research added value
Identifying and monitoring biological agents in the Euro-MENA region is not just important; it is essential, particularly in areas facing active conflicts. The event promises to illuminate the significant burden of infections, explore the mechanisms behind their spread, and address the dual-use nature of these biological agents. By enhancing awareness and understanding of transmission, control, and protection measures, we can achieve significant advancements in public health.
 

Keywords:

Biological agents, Euro-MENA region, Anthrax, Brucellosis, Plague, Tularemia, Q fever, Zoonotic diseases, Bioterrorism, Epidemiology

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