title: An evaluation of the potential use of Cryptosporidium species as agents for deliberate release.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We evaluated the potential of Cryptosporidium spp. for intentional transmission as a terrorist tactic in asymmetric conflicts in terms of the recognised optimum conditions for biological warfare.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published and widely accepted criteria regarding the optimum conditions for the success of biological warfare based on experience from passive biological warfare research were applied to hypothetical intentional Cryptosporidium spp. transmission.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The feasibility of the use of Cryptosporidium spp. transmission for terrorist purposes was established. Particularly on tropical deployments with poor hygiene conditions, such attacks might have a good chance of remaining undetected as a deliberate terrorist attack.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intentional transmission should be suspected in cases of sudden outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, particularly where adequate food and drinking water hygiene precautions are being enforced. Appropriate diagnostic procedures should be available so that the diagnosis is not missed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute, German Armed Forces Hospital of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Ralf Matthias
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Hagen
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Loderstaedt
authors.affiliation: Department of Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute, German Armed Forces Hospital of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Hospital of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Frickmann
mesh_terms: D001694:Biological Warfare; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D003458:Cryptosporidium; D005517:Foodborne Diseases; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008889:Military Personnel; D014867:Water / Q000469:parasitology
chemical_list: D014867:Water
keywords: Parasitology; Preventive Medicine; Tropical Medicine