Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Bioterrorism Agents

Jeannette Guarner ^1* and Sherif R. Zaki ¹

¹ Infectious Disease Pathology Activity, National Centers for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jguarner{at}cdc.gov.

Submitted on June 14, 2005
Accepted on 15 August 2005

	Abstract

From October to November of 2001, the inhalational and cutaneous anthrax cases that occurred in the United States underscored the importance of recognizing the clinical and pathological features of infectious agents that can be used in acts of terrorism. Early confirmation of bioterrorist acts can only be performed by making organism specific diagnosis of cases with clinical and pathologic syndromes that could be caused by possible bioterrorism weapons. Recognition and diagnosis of these cases is central to establish adequate responses. This review will examine the events that occurred during the anthrax bioterrorist attack with specific emphasis on the role of pathology and immunohistochemistry, and will describe the histopathologic features of category A bioterrorism agents (anthrax, plague, tularemia, botulism, smallpox, and viral hemorrhagic fevers).

Key Words: bioterrorism, diagnosis, pathology

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