Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
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Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Aug 2002
ReviewLaboratory diagnosis and biosafety issues of biological warfare agents.
Bioterrorism events have been rare until recently. Many clinical laboratories may not be familiar with handling specimens from a possible bioterrorism attack. ⋯ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed the Laboratory Response Network to provide an organized response system for the detection and diagnosis of biological warfare agents based on laboratory testing abilities and facilities. There are potentially many biological warfare agents, but probably a limited number of agents would be encountered in case of an attack, and their identification and laboratory safety will be discussed.
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Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Aug 2002
ReviewAnthrax, tularemia, plague, ebola or smallpox as agents of bioterrorism: recognition in the emergency room.
Bioterrorism has become a potential diagnostic consideration in infectious diseases. This article reviews the clinical presentation and differential diagnosis of potential bioterrorist agents when first presenting to the hospital in the emergency room setting. ⋯ In addition to the clinical features of the infectious diseases mentioned, the article discusses the infectious disease control and epidemiologic implications of these agents when employed as bioterrorist agents. The review concludes with suggestions for postexposure prophylaxis and therapy.