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Bacillus anthracis: Medical Issues of Biologic Warfare
Author(s) -
Ibrahim Khalid H.,
Brown Gigi,
Wright David H.,
Rotschafer John C.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.19.9.690.31543
Subject(s) - bacillus anthracis , anthrax vaccines , biological warfare , virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , virology , medicine , biology , immunology , immunization , antigen , toxicology , bacteria , dna vaccination , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Recent world events refocused attention on the possibility of nations engaging in biologic warfare, including an attack with Bacillus anthracis . The single available anthrax vaccine in the United States for human use, formerly known as MDPH‐PA, has decreased ability to protect laboratory animals against virulent B. anthracis strains, especially compared with new vaccines being developed. Studies with these vaccines, however, have several shortcomings. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of anthrax are discussed, as well as the implications that an attack with B. anthracis would place on the health care system.