Bacillus anthracis: Medical issues of biologic warfare

Recent world events refocused attention on the possibility of nations engag ing in biologic warfare, including an attack with Bacillus anthracis. The s ingle available anthrax vaccine in the United States for human use, formerl y known as MDPH-PA, has decreased ability to protect laboratory animals aga inst virulent B. anthracis strains, especially compared with new vaccines b eing developed. Studies with these vaccines, however, have several shortcom ings. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of anthrax ar e discussed, as well as the implications that an attack with B. anthracis w ould place on the health care system.