Bioterrorism and biologic warfare.
Biologic agents have been used throughout history to influence battles. Recently, biologic agents have been used as terrorist weapons. A review of the history of biologic weapons and a medical overview of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category A and B agents is provided, including history, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, microbiology/virology, diagnosis, treatment, and each agent's use or potential use as a weapon. Background information on public health issues surrounding bioterrorism and the role of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in a bioterrorist event also is provided.
Bourgeois
Sidney L
SL
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Capital Consortium, National Naval Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA. slbourgeois@bethesda.med.navy.mil
Doherty
Michael J
MJ