A Fresh Threat: Will CAS9 Lead to CRISPR Bioweapons?

Abstract

Imagine a scenario where, inspired by the attacks by members of the Rajneeshpuram Cult who poisoned Oregon salad bars with the salmonella bacteria, a terrorist cell in the United States has made plans to distribute salmonella at buffet-style restaurants throughout the country.3 This terrorist cell, aware that salmonella is treatable and that previous attacks have not taken any lives, is committed to enhancing the salmonella they use by making it highly drug-resistant. Their efforts to create a drug-resistant strain of the bacteria have so far failed, as they do not have access to the facilities and expensive lab equipment necessary for genetic engineering. However, having purchased a CRISPR kit for $150 online, they believe they are now equipped with the tools needed to create a genetically modified “superbug.”4