title: [Anthrax as a bioweapon].
abstract: The risk of biological and chemical terrorism is growing according to availability of modern biotechnologies and financial resources. The most potent biological weapon mentioned in the last decade is anthrax. The number of naturally acquired infections in humans is constantly reduced, however endemic areas are located in South and Middle Americas, South Europe, Asia and Africa. In any case of infection laboratory confirmation is indicated. Primary basic testing is available in all microbiology laboratories. In the current situation the medical and epidemiological infrastructure and microbiology diagnostics must be prepared for early and rapid coordinated action in order to detect and respond to biological and chemical attacks.
authors.affiliation: Krajowa Grupa Robocza ds. standardów racjonalnej profilaktyki i terapii zakazerń, Narodowy Instytut Zdrowia Publicznego, Warszawa.
authors.forename: Sylwia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Szafraniec
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Grzesiowski
authors.forename: Waleria
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hryniewicz
mesh_terms: D000881:Anthrax / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013171:Spores, Bacterial
chemical_list: D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents