Clinicopathologic aspects of bacterial agents

Bacteria were the first organisms recognized for their potential as agents of bioaggression and the possibility of their use by a terrorist or rogue n ation is considered a significant threat. Five of the more likely agents (a nthrax, plague, tularemia, Q fever, and brucellosis) are reviewed with emph asis on their epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and pathology . Particular emphasis is given to the presentation of the diseases as they may appear after use in a biowarfare scenario.