Immunization against potential biological warfare agents

Clin Infect Dis. 2000 Jun;30(6):843-50. doi: 10.1086/313812. Epub 2000 Jun 20.

Abstract

The intentional release of biological agents by belligerents or terrorists is a possibility that has recently attracted increased attention. Law enforcement agencies, military planners, public health officials, and clinicians are gaining an increasing awareness of this potential threat. From a military perspective, an important component of the protective pre-exposure armamentarium against this threat is immunization. In addition, certain vaccines are an accepted component of postexposure prophylaxis against potential bioterrorist threat agents. These vaccines might, therefore, be used to respond to a terrorist attack against civilians. We review the development of vaccines against 10 of the most credible biological threats.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control
  • Bacterial Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Biological Warfare / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Immunization*
  • Viral Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Virus Diseases / prevention & control

Substances

  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Viral Vaccines